Guatemalan National Charged in Death PC Marcos Acal

Police have charged Guatemalan national Juan Carlos Prado in connection with a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of Special Constable Marcos Acal on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway, confirmed Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith.

30-year-old Prada of Santa Cruz village was charged with Manslaughter by Negligence and Causing Death by Careless Conduct. He also faces charges of Driving without Due Care and Attention, Failing to Report an Accident, and Failing to Stop and Render Aid.

The crash occurred at about 7:25 p.m. on Friday, January 30th, between Miles 31 and 32.

Officers found Acal gravely injured beside his damaged Skygo motorcycle. He was taken to the Southern Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about an hour after the accident.

Smith said police later intercepted a Hino pickup truck in Punta Gorda. “An inspection of that vehicle showed signs of damage and apparent blood,” Smith added. Two other men were inside the vehicle.

Special Constable Acal, 48, was attached to the Independence Police Station and had just reported off duty. “He was a special constable for 14 years, where he gave very dedicated and exemplary service,” Smith said.