By Jacqueline L. Dennis
MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP), through its Criminal Investigation Division, has formally charged Francis Nana, 32, with murder following the tragic death of Patrolman Mark D. Bracewell at a security checkpoint in central Monrovia over the weekend.
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 29, at the foot of the Gabriel Tucker Bridge near Slipway, where LNP officers were conducting routine vehicle inspections as part of a traffic compliance and anti-contraband operation.
According to police reports, Patrolman Bracewell and several other officers were stationed at the checkpoint when Nana, driving a yellow Nissan Almera with license plate TX-A0022, refused to stop for inspection. Despite multiple instructions from officers to halt, Nana reportedly accelerated toward the checkpoint.
In a desperate attempt to stop the vehicle, Patrolman Bracewell is said to have moved to close the iron gate barricading the road. Nana, allegedly intent on avoiding inspection, drove toward the officer at high speed. Bracewell then leapt onto the hood of the car, witnesses said.
Eyewitnesses and police investigators stated that despite the officer clinging to the vehicle and pleading for his life, Nana continued to drive at high speed across the bridge into Vai Town, Bushrod Island. Investigators say he intentionally hit the left shoulder of the road, slamming the officer into a concrete block stationed on the median.
Bracewell sustained severe head injuries and multiple lacerations, leading to his death at the scene.
After the collision, Nana reportedly abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee. He was later apprehended by two private security guards, Joseph Doe and Amos Kumeh, assigned to nearby commercial facilities.
During police interrogation, Nana claimed he had earlier picked up passengers from ELWA Junction and was heading toward Duala when the incident occurred. He admitted that he did not submit his driver’s license when asked, instead presenting a traffic ticket issued to him in August. Nana stated he panicked when an officer jumped on his hood and did not realize the officer remained on the vehicle as he drove off.
However, a mechanical examination conducted by LNP motor pool authorities confirmed that the vehicle’s braking system was fully functional, contradicting Nana’s claim of brake failure.
Police concluded that Nana’s actions were intentional, reckless, and showed no regard for human life. He has been charged with murder under Chapter 14, Subchapter A, Section 14.1 of the Penal Law of Liberia, and is currently awaiting trial in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Liberia National Police has expressed condolences to the family of the late Patrolman Bracewell, describing him as a dedicated officer who lost his life in the line of duty.
