Expert pursuit driver hit 80-year-old at about 150km/h in Perth
An expert officer driving at about 150km/h hit an 80-year-old's car, leaving him in critical condition.
An unmarked police vehicle hit an 80-year-old's Hyundai Accent. The crash happened when he turned at South St and Beasley Rd in Leeming on Monday morning.
Police were chasing a driver with a long criminal history when the crash scattered car parts across the intersection. The officer is considered one of WA's best pursuit drivers.
He was trained in pursuit tactics in Scotland and the US. The 80-year-old had critical injuries and is fighting for his life in hospital.
Two police officers were taken to hospital as a precaution. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident shows how dangerous high-speed pursuits are, even with expert drivers.
A review will look at how visible the unmarked car was. It will check if evasion rules need to change.
It will also look at how to stop similar incidents.
- 80
- Victim age
- About 150km/h
- Speed at crash
- South Street and Beasley Road, Leeming
- Location
Why it mattersThe crash shows the risks of high-speed police pursuits. It raises questions about when such chases should continue.
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