Lands CEO Involved in Fatal Car Crash 

Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum, and Mining, Paul Thompson, knocked down and killed a man on Friday evening.

The fatal traffic accident occurred on the George Price Highway in Cotton Tree Village at around 5:50 p.m. The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Zacharias Tescecum. He was found facing down with severe head and body injuries, as well as a broken right foot above the ankle. He was unresponsive and not breathing.

According to investigators, Thompson, who was driving a 2020 Grey GMC Terrain SUV, suddenly saw a man walking on the highway. Thomspon told investigators that to avoid hitting Tescecum, he swerved left but still struck the pedestrian. According to police, Tescecum was dragged approximately 160 feet beneath the vehicle before Thompson came to a stop. Tescecum died on the scene. His body was later transported to the Western Regional Hospital, where it now awaits a post-mortem examination.

At this morning’s weekly police press brief, ACP Hilberto Romero would not release Thompson’s name, saying, “The driver has not been charged, so I won’t say it.” Reporters told Romero that in prior instances the name of the driver is released, especially if they have been served with a notice of intended prosecution (NIP).

Thompson was served with an NIP, and samples were taken from him. The investigation continues.