A Metropolitan Police officer and a former officer are facing charges in connection with a deadly traffic incident that occurred in Eltham in October 2024.
PC Chris Johnson has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, while former PC Danny Tomkins faces a charge of dangerous driving. These charges stem from an investigation conducted by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
PC Johnson is currently assigned to the Metropolitan Police’s Taskforce, and at the time of the incident, former PC Tomkins was also part of the same unit.
Both officers are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates‘ Court on Thursday, 28 May.
Details of the Incident
The charges are related to an event that transpired on Thursday, 17 October 2024, when an unmarked police vehicle collided with another car on the A20, close to the junction with Kidbrooke Park, SE19.
At the time of the crash, a 38-year-old woman, who was heavily pregnant, was driving the other vehicle. Tragically, her baby died at the scene, and she subsequently succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
Official Response
Acting Detective Chief Superintendent James Derham, who oversees policing in Greenwich, expressed condolences, stating:
“Our thoughts remain with the woman’s family and friends, who continue to grieve the loss of her and her unborn child. This was a truly terrible and heartbreaking incident.”
He added,
“The IOPC have conducted a thorough and complex investigation and we have worked closely with them as their enquiries have progressed. Following that process, an officer and former officer have now been charged.”
Derham emphasized the importance of avoiding any comments that could affect the upcoming court proceedings, stating that it would be inappropriate to provide further details at this time.
It is noteworthy that the family of the deceased woman has requested privacy and has chosen not to engage with the media.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Matthias Wesselmann auf Unsplash
