lausanne Police Officer Faces Suspension Call After Teen’s Fatal Motorcycle Incident

A Lausanne police officer, already under scrutiny for involvement in the 2018 Mike Ben Peter case, is now facing renewed criticism after a 14-year-old girl died following a motorcycle chase in lausanne earlier this week. The incident has prompted a municipal councilor to demand the officer’s immediate suspension and a transfer of the investigation to the vaud public prosecutor.

Officer’s Involvement in Fatal Motorcycle Chase

On Monday evening,Lausanne police were dispatched to the Blécherette district following reports of “urban rodeos.” According to police reports, the 14-year-old girl attempted to evade officers on a motorcycle without a helmet.During the ensuing chase, she reportedly lost control of the vehicle and sustained critical injuries, ultimately leading to her death at the CHUV (Lausanne University Hospital). The teenager allegedly borrowed the motorcycle from a friend and did not possess a valid driver’s license.

Did You Know? Traffic fatalities involving motorcycles have seen a 15% increase in Switzerland over the past five years, raising concerns about road safety and police pursuit tactics [[Federal Roads Office (ASTRA)]].

Link to the Mike Ben Peter Case

Adding another layer of complexity, the officer involved in the motorcycle chase is also implicated in the controversial Mike Ben Peter case. This case dates back to 2018 when a 39-year-old Nigerian man died during a forceful arrest by Lausanne police. Although the officer and five colleagues were acquitted in both the first and second instances, the case is currently under appeal at the Federal Court.

calls for Suspension and Self-reliant Investigation

The dual involvement of the officer has sparked outrage, with municipal councilor Ilias Panchard publicly protesting the ongoing investigation being handled by the Lausanne police accident group. Panchard argues that the case should be transferred to the Vaud public prosecutor to ensure impartiality, given the officer’s prior involvement in another serious case. he plans to file an urgent motion in the municipal council demanding the officer’s “without delay” suspension.

Pro Tip: Understanding the chain of command and reporting structures within local police departments is crucial for ensuring accountability and openness in law enforcement.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

While the Lausanne police have declined to comment on the specifics of the two ongoing cases, they have confirmed that the officer remains on active duty. An investigation into the motorcycle incident has been initiated by the miners’ court and entrusted to the Lausanne police accident group.

Public Reaction and Concerns

The incident has ignited public debate regarding police pursuit policies and accountability. Critics argue that the officer’s history raises serious questions about judgment and the appropriateness of remaining on active duty during ongoing investigations. the case also highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public safety with individual rights during police interventions.

What measures should be in place to ensure accountability in police investigations? How can law enforcement balance public safety with the rights of individuals during pursuits?

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