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.
Flowers at the scene of the crash where Lewis Johnson, 18, died on Tuesday (Picture: Ken Mears) - Credit: Archant
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.
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.
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“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.
