Monrovia – A tragic and chilling incident on the foot of the Gabriel Tucker Bridge has shaken Liberia’s safety neighborhood and the nation at massive, as 32-year-old taxi driver Francis Nana has been formally charged with homicide in reference to the dying of Patrolman Mark D. Bracewell of the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP).
By Willie N. Tokpah | [email protected]
The Deadly Encounter
The incident unfolded within the early hours of Sunday, September 28, when LNP officers from Zone Two Base had been conducting routine automobile inspections at a checkpoint on the Monrovia finish of the bridge.
In response to police investigative stories, Nana, driving a yellow Nissan Almera sedan (license plate TX-A0022), allegedly refused to cease for inspection and as an alternative sped by the checkpoint, heading straight towards Patrolman Bracewell.
In an try to guard himself, Bracewell reportedly leapt onto the hood of the automobile. Witnesses and fellow officers alleged that as an alternative of stopping, Nana accelerated throughout the bridge into Vai City, ignoring the officer’s pleas.
Eyewitnesses advised investigators they heard Bracewell shouting, “You’ll kill me, please don’t kill me,” because the automotive continued at excessive pace.
The chase led to tragedy when the automobile slammed right into a roadside concrete barrier, hurling Bracewell violently in opposition to the block. He sustained deadly head accidents and deep lacerations and was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Driver Fled, Apprehended by Personal Safety
In response to the cost sheet, Nana fled the scene on foot after the crash, abandoning the fatally wounded officer. He was later captured by non-public safety officers Joseph Doe of VIP Safety and Amos Kumeh of Veteran Guard Companies, who had been on obligation at Jetty Buying and selling Company and MBC Retailer.
Police Cost: “Malice and Disregard for Life”
The police cost sheet, signed by ACP Raffel A. Wilson, Commander of the LNP’s Crime Companies Division, alleged that Nana’s actions had been “deliberate, reckless, and met the edge for premeditated homicide below Chapter 14, Part 14.1 of the Revised Penal Legislation of Liberia.”
A mechanical inspection by ACP Barney Johnny, Chief of LNP’s Motor Pool, dismissed Nana’s declare of brake failure, confirming that the automobile’s braking system was totally purposeful.
“The defendant purposely, willingly, deliberately, and maliciously smashed sufferer Mark D. Bracewell in opposition to a concrete block which immediately resulted in his dying,” the report acknowledged.
Unprecedented Safety Escort
On Wednesday, October 1, a unprecedented safety presence marked Nana’s courtroom look. Greater than 500 safety officers, led by LNP Inspector Normal Gregory Coleman, accompanied the suspect to the Monrovia Metropolis Court docket.
The escort got here simply days after Coleman and AFL Chief of Employees Brigadier Normal Davidson Forleh visited the crash scene.
The courthouse ambiance was described as somber and emotional. Relations, mates, and dozens of colleagues of the late officer gathered on the Temple of Justice, many in tears. Bracewell’s mom was seen weeping uncontrollably outdoors the courtroom.
Nana has since been remanded on the Monrovia Central Jail, pending trial.
Protection Pushes Again
Protection counsel Atty. Jeremiah Dugbo has filed a movement for a preliminary examination, difficult the cost of homicide. He maintained that his shopper didn’t intend to kill the officer.
“This was a tragic incident, not an intentional act. There was no altercation, no quarrel, no motive. We await the courtroom’s honest evaluation,” Dugbo advised FrontPageAfrica after the arraignment.
What’s Subsequent?
The case has now been positioned earlier than the Monrovia Metropolis Court docket, with the Ministry of Justice prosecuting on behalf of the Republic of Liberia. As proceedings transfer ahead, the nation is predicted to carefully observe what many are already calling a landmark case, testing each Liberia’s justice system and public belief in regulation enforcement accountability.
