Half Way Tree crash driver in custody

The driver of the bus, which hit six pedestrians along Half Way Tree Road in St. Andrew on September 24, is now in police custody.

The driver, 43-year-old Bryon Reid, had fled the scene following the crash which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Mellisa Thompson.

Head of the Traffic Division, Senior Superintendent Radcliffe Lewis,said the driver was found at a stall along Waltham Park Road about 5 o’ clock yesterday evening.

SSP Lewis said Reid is to be charged with manslaughter.

He said the bus driver is also facing other charges in relation to his failure to report the crash, running away from the scene and for operating a vehicle without a driver’s license.

SSP Lewis said the vehicle was not insured.

Earlier reports indicated that the pedestrians were hit after the bus veered off the road onto a sidewalk, while trying to avoid a collision with another vehicle.

Reports also indicate that Reid should not have been in the driver’s seat, as he was not the one employed to drive the bus.

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