Police officer suspended after Nicosia crash and positive alcohol test

Nicosia, Cyprus. A 44-year-old off-duty police officer has been suspended following a three-vehicle collision near Nicosia General Hospital on Thursday after testing positive for alcohol. Criminal and disciplinary investigations are underway.

Collision and fire

The suspension was ordered by Deputy Police Chief Panikos Stavrou after the officer was involved in a collision at the Nicosia General Hospital roundabout.

Police said the officer’s vehicle collided, under circumstances under investigation, with a car driven by a 43-year-old woman. The impact pushed her vehicle into another car driven by a 38-year-old man.

The vehicles driven by the officer and the woman caught fire, while the third vehicle sustained rear damage. Firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Alcohol test and vehicle certificate

Ambulances transported all three drivers to Nicosia General Hospital, where they received first aid treatment.

Breathalyser tests were conducted on all three drivers. The officer recorded a final reading of 59 micrograms, above the legal limit of 22 micrograms, police said.

A further check found that he was driving without a valid MOT certificate.