Runaway taxi operator denied bail

Ewart Anderson, the taxi driver who escaped police custody and was later captured in a nearby gully last year, was denied bail when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Wednesday. 

Anderson’s attorney, Donavan Williams, in a bail application, submitted to the court that his client has been in custody since last November, and should he be offered bail, he could reside with his brother.  

Anderson is charged with leaving the scene of an accident, malicious destruction of property, escaping custody, and assaulting police.  

However, the prosecutors were opposed to bail, given the nature of the allegations that Anderson escaped from the police’s custody twice and could be considered a flight risk.  

The allegations are that Anderson was involved in a motor vehicle crash and the police went to the scene to investigate. It was further alleged that Anderson went back into the vehicle and sped away. 

The police gave chase and when they tried to apprehend him, Anderson allegedly punched one of the officers in his face.  

It was reported that a firearm was discharged and he was captured and taken into custody at the Duhaney Park Police Station in a conference room. 

The court heard that Anderson, 43, broke a glass window and escaped from the station. He was later found hiding in a nearby gully.  

Prosecutors explained to the court that even when police saw Anderson in the gully and made attempts to capture him, Anderson still showed a bit of resistance and fled from that area but was later found hiding in a yard. 

Having heard the submissions of the lawyer, Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montaque shared that bail was revoked considering the seriousness of the allegations.  

“The prosecution is alleging that after a motor vehicle accident, he fled and had to be chased by the police officers. Then he is placed in a conference room, not a cell, not a holding area but a conference room and from a conference room, he escapes custody. So, there is that very live concern that he is a flight risk,” the judge expressed.  

The matter is to be mentioned on April 21, when a trial date is to be set. Anderson was remanded in custody until then.  

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