The head-on collision that took place after a police chase near Kampen in November last year cannot be blamed on a police officer involved. He will therefore not be prosecuted, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) announced on Wednesday after an investigation by the National Criminal Investigation Department. Three people were killed in the collision.
The suspect pursued by the police officer was a 41-year-old man from the Groningen municipality of Het Hogeland. He was killed in the crash. The two occupants of the other car also died.
The man from Het Hogeland was pursued after a report of serious assault in Bedum, Groningen. The police officer gave him stop signs, but they were ignored. A chase ensued, with flashing lights and siren.
The suspect overtook several cars. He eventually moved into another lane and collided head-on with an oncoming vehicle.
The National Investigation Department concludes that the officer complied with the guidelines and that the pursuit was proportionate. “The officer remained at an appropriate distance and kept in touch with the control room throughout the pursuit. The conclusion of the OM is therefore that the officer cannot be blamed and that he has not endangered road safety,” says the OM.
