Following his detention on Saturday by the police over the traffic death of cyclist Jude Bentley, former army Chief of Staff Gary Best was yesterday hospitalised but remains in custody, Commander of Region 4 ‘A’ Division Edgar Thomas told Stabroek News.
Best, he said, was taken to the hospital for medical attention after he complained to ranks of feeling ill yesterday morning.
Best was arrested by police on Saturday morning after he was involved in an accident which claimed the life of Bentley. He was struck while cycling along Clive Lloyd Drive by a vehicle driven by Best. The accident occurred at approximately 4.31 am in the vicinity of the northern side of the Russian Embassy as Bentley, 41, of Lot 33 Robb Street, Georgetown, was on his way to meet a group of cyclists for training. Best, who was driving an SUV, #PRR 8182, was proceeding in the same direction.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, the police, who did not name Best, but identified him as a 61-year-old resident of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, said he disclosed that he was proceeding east along the southern lane. He alleged that the cyclist suddenly appeared in front of him and that he applied brakes and the right side of the front of his vehicle collided with the cyclist, who fell onto the roadway and sustained injuries.
After the impact, the vehicle dislodged a lamp pole on the southern side of the road.
The police said Bentley was pronounced dead at the accident scene, while Best, who failed a breathalyser test, was in custody assisting with the investigation.
The police were being provided with different accounts of what transpired, Thomas told Stabroek News and as a result, he said ranks were up to Saturday afternoon pursuing all angles in an effort to determine the circumstances that led to the accident.
Thomas confirmed that Best was taken into custody after the accident. On Saturday while in custody, Best complained of feeling unwell and efforts were being made to allow him to seek medical attention if he desired.
Sources told this newspaper that at the time of the accident, Best was heading home after leaving a city night spot. He reportedly told the police at the scene that he did not see Bentley since he was not wearing any reflectors and had no lights. However, Bentley’s relatives have since denied his claim, while noting that he was “fully geared”.
Best said he tried to avoid hitting Bentley but still came into contact with the bicycle. Bentley was dragged several feet away from the point of impact before the vehicle came to halt. His mangled bicycle was left in the middle of the road.
Residents recalled hearing a loud “screeching” sound. Upon checking, they said they learnt of the accident.
