Driver gets $700k bail for causing death of chemist in EBD accident

Shawn Sargeant has been granted bail in the sum of $700,000 after he was charged for causing the death of 33-year-old Jason Bhojedat in an accident along the Diamond New Interlink Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Sunday night.

Sargeant, a 28-year-old labourer of Diamond Housing Scheme, EBD, made his first court appearance on Wednesday at the Diamond Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Dylon Bess where he was not required to plead to the charge.

The matter was adjourned to February 26, 2026.

Sargeant was the driver of motorcar PKK 6633 that crashed into the rear of the bus that was being driven by Bhojedat at the time of the accident.

Police said the car driver was proceeding at an allegedly fast rate of speed behind the bus, when, in an attempt was made to overtake, it crashed into the bus.

As a result of the impact, the bus collided with a light pole, overturned several times before coming to a halt. Bhojedat was flung from the vehicle and fell onto the roadway in an unconscious state; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The car driver sustained minor injuries and was treated at the Diamond Regional Hospital. Police said a breathalyzer test was not conducted on the driver due to injuries he received to his mouth, for which he received stitches.

Bhojedat was a chemist at the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and served as President of the St Stanislaus College Association.

DDL’s Chairman Komal Samaroo has since committed to honouring Bhojedat’s memory. In a statement issued by the company, Samaroo said, “I can assure you that he will be remembered not only for his achievements, but also for the respect he earned from colleagues across the company. We are committed to honouring his memory and will be providing full support to our staff and his family, loved ones, and colleagues during this difficult time.”