The police watchdog will investigate Wiltshire Police after a major crash in Swindon.
It comes after a black Honda Civic ploughed into a shopfront on Cricklade Road on Saturday morning (4 March).
The force previously confirmed that officers attempted to stop the driver due to the vehicle not having its lights illuminated and the manner in which he was driving.
When they attempted to perform a traffic stop, the driver made off – subsequently colliding with Michael’s Workwear and severely damaging the building.
The driver, a man in his 30s, was rushed to hospital following the impact. He sustained serious but not life-changing or life-threatening wounds.
After being discharged from hospital, he was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while unfit, having no insurance and having no driving license.
He has been released under investigation and police enquiries are ongoing.
Due to the police involvement in the incident, Wiltshire Police has referred the matter to the police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct, or IOPC.
In a statement, a force spokesperson said: “A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene but was taken to hospital following the collision where he sustained serious but not life threatening injuries.
“He has since been discharged from hospital and is under investigation for taking a vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while unfit, no insurance and no driving license.
We have referred ourselves to the IOPC (Independent Office for Police Conduct) in line with standard practice. The collision investigation remains with the Serious Collison investigation team.”
