W.A. cop charged over fatal pursuit

He was supposed to have asked permission for the pursuit but had not done so. But even if found guilty he will face little penalty

The police officer who allegedly drove his vehicle into that of a Dianella mother, killing her and injuring her teenage daughter, has been charged over the crash.

The 27-year-old First Class Constable was charged this morning following an internal affairs investigation into the incident.

It will be alleged that on Thursday April 12, the officer was driving a police vehicle attempting to stop a stolen Audi sedan. The police vehicle collided with a Toyota Corolla at the intersection of Alexander and Morley drives in Dianella.

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan confirmed yesterday that the officer had been stood aside from operational duties while two inquiries into the crash were conducted.

The crash claimed the life of 50-year-old Sharon D'Ercole, who was driving with her 16-year-old daughter Lashay when they were struck by the police vehicle.

The police officer was charged with dangerous driving causing death today, and will appear in Perth Magistrates Court on May 22. He remains stood aside from operational duties.

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