Road rage almost lands ‘Bagga’ van driver in jail

A Barrouallie omni-bus driver, who opened another driver’s door, raised a knife at him, then punched his shoulder after their vehicles’ wheels touched, dodged a six month prison sentence.

Calvin Matthews, 25, appeared at the Calliaqua Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate, John Ballah, on June, 13,2025 where he pleaded guilty that on June 10, 2025 at Bentick Square, Kingstown, he assaulted Cornel Williams of Biabou causing actual bodily harm; and assaulted him with intent to commit the offence of wounding.

The facts are that Williams has been employed with Sol Eastern Caribbean Ltd for about four years as a driver of a gas truck.

On the date in question at about 5:15 p.m, Williams was heading to Yank’s Bakery, Kingstown Hill to deliver cooking gas.

While in the vicinity of Nichols’ building, which is located at Hospital Corner, Kingstown, the traffic was moving slowly because of rain.

Williams observed a grey omni-bus overtake several vehicles between both lanes, eventually touching the wheel of the truck he was driving.

Immediately after, Williams noticed Matthews, who was the driver of the omni bus, come out of the van and approach him.

Matthews opened Williams’ door, pulled out a brown folding knife, and raised the knife towards Williams’ upper body and said, “you touch my van I have a mind punch you in your neck”.

When this incident occurred, Matthews and Williams were one foot apart from each other. Matthews then punched Williams’ on his left shoulder injuring him.

Williams then sought the assistance of a police officer who was nearby, but got no assistance.

As a result, Williams went to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Kingstown and made an official report.

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