Cops could face criminal charges over crash victim
Probe after teenager left paralysed when hit by police car
TWO police officers could face criminal charges after a teenage boy was left paralysed when he was hit by a police car.
Khia Whitehead, 16, was told he not be able to walk again following the horror crash in Stockport on Boxing Day.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct said the case has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
The CPS will decide whether criminal charges are brought against two police officers, whose conduct was investigated by the IOPC.
Keen footballer and huge United fan Khia has spent months in hospital, with Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs among those wishing the youngster well.
The IOPC previously said its enquiries revealed that three GMP police vehicles were out responding to an emergency on December 26 last year.
The second of the three vehicles collided with the boy, while a third vehicle struck a post after swerving to avoid the crash.
In a statement released to the M.E.N, the IOPC said: “We independently investigated the circumstances of a serious collision that led to a 15-year-old boy suffering a serious head injury after being struck by a police vehicle in Stockport on 26 December 2020.
“During our investigation, which concluded in September, we reviewed CCTV and police body-worn video footage as well as police radio transmissions.
“We also obtained statements from several witnesses and interviewed the drivers of three police cars who were attending an emergency at the time.
“Two of the officers were notified their conduct was under investigation.
“Our findings have been shared with Greater Manchester Police, the officers involved and the boy’s family.
“After carefully considering the findings of our investigation, as is required where we feel the evidence indicates a criminal offence may have been committed, we have referred the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider whether any criminal charges should be brought against either officer. “Referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow.”
Khia had to undergo three emergency brain surgeries in the space of a week following the incident.
More than £22,000 has been raised for the Manchester Royal Infirmary, where Khia was treated, after a fundraising page was set up by his former football coach at Spurley Hey Football Club.
In a statement GMP said: “Greater Manchester Police is aware, following the conclusion of the IOPC’s investigation, that this matter has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service. “We will await the outcome from the CPS and continue to cooperate with the investigation.”