A woman critically injured in a crash during a police pursuit in Stratford-upon-Avon has died. Karen Joseph, 62, was severely injured after a black Audi A3 driven by Roman Kalas, 19, crashed into her on Warwick Road on August 24.
Police pursuit details
Officers followed Kalas’s car for around six minutes, but the vehicle failed to stop and made off in the direction of the A46, Warwickshire Police said. Kalas then travelled back towards Stratford on the A439 Warwick Road before the crash happened.
The police officer, in a single-crewed car, began the pursuit after Kalas failed to stop for police on Birmingham Road, the IOPC said. The vehicle’s sirens were activated, and emergency lights were on.
Deaths and injuries
Kalas died at the scene, and a post-mortem examination gave the initial cause of death as traumatic head and chest injuries, the IOPC said. Mrs Joseph, from Stratford-upon-Avon, was taken to hospital with critical injuries, where she died on Friday.
Her daughter, a passenger in the car, suffered minor injuries in the incident, the police watchdog said.
Investigation and inquests
Inquests for Kalas and Mrs Joseph are due to be opened by the coroner for Warwickshire, Sean McGovern, on Friday.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: ‘Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends and everyone affected by the deaths of Roman Kalas and Karen Joseph.
‘We have spoken with both families to advise them of our investigation, and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.
‘Given two members of the public have died in an incident involving a police pursuit, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.’
