Man assisting police after fatal hit-and-run

Police have reported an early breakthrough in their investigation into Thursday’s fatal hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of Sergeant Antonio Rochester, a well-loved veteran.

Officers have confirmed that a man believed to be involved in the incident is currently assisting with inquiries.

The man, identified as Omel Justin Walrond, 36, of Olive Gap, Tudor Bridge, St Michael, was the subject of a wanted-man bulletin issued earlier this morning.

According to police, Walrond turned himself over to detectives at the Black Rock Police Station, accompanied by a lawyer.

Investigations into the incident revealed that Sergeant Rochester, who worked in the marine branch, was knocked down by a truck while on Tudor Bridge Main Road. Police said the driver did not stop at the scene but continued driving a considerable distance before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing.

On Friday, the officer’s grieving parents, Glendine and Anthony Rochester, spoke to the media about their loss, describing their son as a good man. “He was [a] nice person, loving, don’t get into nothing with nobody at all. He got along with everybody,” they said.

Earlier, police Communications and Public Relations Officer Inspector Rodney Inniss expressed the force’s sadness at the death of their colleague. Describing Sergeant Rochester as a jovial team member, he said: “It is very difficult to deal with at this time for both the police and the family members,” adding that many officers are shaken by the tragedy.

In addition to his parents, Sergeant Rochester’s survivors include his wife and two children.