The police constable charged with using a police vehicle without authorisation and causing malicious damage to the vehicle donned a cap, slipped on dark sunglasses and changed from a shirt to jersey before leaving court.
PC Duane Lewis, 22, of La Brea, who has only been in the service for four months, is now on suspension pending the outcome of his case.
He appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Mark Wellington in the Second Magistrates’ Court in San Fernando. The charges were laid indictably by Insp Maureen Gonzales and Lewis was not called upon to plead.
It is alleged that Lewis, without authorisation, took the police patrol SUV, which was parked in front the San Fernando Police Station located at Harris Promenade, and went to Rousillac Village, La Brea, on Sunday afternoon.
There the tyre blew out and the vehicle crashed and was abandoned. Damage to the vehicle, a Ford Everest, is estimated at $5,467.
The patrol vehicle involved was part of the fleet bought by the State to be used at the recent Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain to provide security for visiting dignitaries.
Lewis was represented by attorney Ramesh Deena and was granted bail in the sum of $75,000 to cover both charges.
He is expected to reappear in court on October 27.
