Hunt for death-crash driver who fled in patrol car
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A driver jumped a set of red lights and crashed into another car, killing a retired army officer, then fled by stealing the police car in which he was put while the lone officer tried to help the other victim.
The accident happened as a police car followed a Ford Fiesta XR2 which was doing more than 70mph in a 30mph area of Barnsley, South Yorkshire, early yesterday, police said. As the Fiesta approached the set of red lights the driver accelerated past a queue of stationary traffic and crashed into the side of a Peugeot 406 driven by Peter Walpole, 60, who died shortly afterwards in Barnsley hospital.
The injured driver of the Fiesta was put in the back of the police car while the officer attempted to help Mr Walpole, but he commandeered the vehicle and drove off, hitting the officer as he tried to intervene. Police believe they know the identity of the driver and were last night attempting to trace him. The police car was found abandoned 15 miles from the crash scene.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments