Green Suzuki Vitara involved in the accident in La Grande Princesse on Tues. June 7, 2022 that resulted in the death of 79-year-old Howard Dyer. By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
ST. CROIX — The V.I. Police Department on Wednesday arrested a man on a charge of negligent homicide after the suspect — allegedly driving at a high rate of speed in a green Suzuki Vitara — struck and killed a 79-year-old man who was attempting to cross the road.
According to police spokesman Glen Dratte, on Tuesday at 10:22 p.m., officers with the Traffic Investigation Bureau were dispatched by the 911 Emergency Call Center to investigate a traffic collision.
The V.I.P.D. said the incident occurred in the westbound lane of the Northside Road on Route 75 in the vicinity of the 2 Plus 2 Bar and Restaurant in La Grande Princesse.
Upon arrival to the scene, the officers observed the pedestrian — a male individual later identified as Howard R. Dyer — lying on the southern edge of the westbound lane. The vehicle involved in the accident, the green Suzuki Vitara, came to a stop in the westbound lane approximately five feet from the pedestrian, according to the police report.
According to the V.I.P.D., a preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle operated by the driver was heading westbound. The victim exited the 2 Plus 2 establishment and began walking eastward then came to a stop facing south in front of the crosswalk. Mr. Dyer was observed waiting for the traffic heading eastbound, the police report says. Evidence indicates that when it appeared to be safe to cross, Mr. Dyer starting walking on the crosswalk.
Mugshot of Sayif T. Brooks, 29. (Credit: The Virgin Islands Police Department)
Evidence further indicates that while in the crosswalk heading south towards the area where he had parked his white pick-up truck, Mr. Dyer saw a vehicle traveling westbound towards him at a high rate of speed, the police department said. Noticing the incoming vehicle, Mr. Dyer started to run southward while still in the crosswalk. He was then struck and killed by the green Suzuki Vitara.
Mr. Dyer succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the collision, the V.I.P.D. said.
On Wednesday, 29-year-old Sayif T. Brooks was arrested by Traffic Investigation Bureau investigators for negligent homicide. Unable to make bail of $25,000, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advisement hearing.
