Lewis Johnson death: Met officers facing criminal investigation
Flowers at the scene of the crash where Lewis Johnson, 18, died on Tuesday (Picture: Ken Mears) - Credit: Archant
Two Met officers chasing a teenager who was killed when his motor scooter collided with a van are facing a criminal investigation over their driving.
Lewis Johnson, 18, died after his Vespa crashed in Clapton Common just before noon on February 9.
Following an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commision (IPCC), the officer driving a police car pursuing the moped has been handed a gross misconduct notice.
A sergeant driving a second car involved has also been told he will receive a gross misconduct notice.
Both have been told they are under criminal investigation, though that does not necessarily mean criminal charges will follow.
You may also want to watch:
The officers were pursuing the motor scooter following a smash-and-grab robbery in Kingsland Road, Dalston.
IPCC Commissioner Jennifer Izekor said: “We have gathered sufficient evidence in this investigation to determine that criminal offences may have been committed by the police officers involved in this pursuit in relation to the standard of their driving. Both officers will now be interviewed under criminal caution as our investigation continues.
Most Read
- 1 Hackney people encouraged to shop local for April 12 reopening
- 2 Hackney's great beer gardens reopening on April 12
- 3 Jailed: Newham men who raped and robbed women in Hackney home
- 4 Community group crowdfunds to turn old Lea valley water depot into wild space
- 5 Garden of Lament, Covid, Ramadan, homing cats and Islamophobia
- 6 Hoxton restaurant showcases menus by New City College student chefs
- 7 Campaign to keep Hackney Wick 'alive' with street art
- 8 London's emergency services show support for LTNs
- 9 'I can't wait to buy useless items' when shops reopen after Covid lockdown
- 10 Tote bags help tackle homelessness and addiction
“I have met with Lewis’ parents to express my condolences for the tragic loss of their son and to inform them of this development.”
Tributes flooded in for “lighty Lew”, a former student of St Aloysius College off Archway Road following his death.
Friend Tony Fera, 18, told the Gazette: “Lewis was a boy I knew through football when I was younger.
“He was a talented footballer and looked up to by all of the boys on the team. He was a boy with lots of kindness and always put a smile on people’s faces.”
Lewis’s passenger was injured in the collision but has now been discharged from hospital.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft and taking and driving away. He has been bailed until March.