Met Police Officers Under Fire Over 2016 Fatal Penge Pursuit
Two Met Police officers are set to face a formal gross misconduct probe over a 2016 car chase that ended in heart-breaking tragedy. Ten-year-old Makayah McDermott and his aunt Rozanne Cooper died after being hit by a stolen car chased by police in Penge, south-east London.
Catastrophic Chase Ends in Death
PC Edward Welch and ex-PC Jack Keher were involved in the pursuit of a stolen vehicle. The driver lost control and slammed into a group of pedestrians, killing the young boy and his aunt. The crash rocked the local community and raised serious questions about how the chase was handled.
Legal Fallout and Manslaughter Conviction
- PC Welch was prosecuted but cleared of causing death by dangerous driving.
- The stolen car’s driver, who tested positive for drugs, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2017.
Misconduct Allegations Mount Against Officers
The upcoming hearing will dig into claims against Jack Keher, who was the passenger and radio operator in the police car. He is accused of failing to properly assess or report the pursuit to control, and not challenging Welch’s driving during the chase.
PC Welch also faces charges of poor communication with control and not properly weighing up whether to continue the pursuit. Both officers are further alleged to have chased the suspect on foot after the crash instead of focusing on helping the injured victims.
Possible Dismissals Loom for Officers
If found guilty, PC Welch could be sacked from the force. Jack Keher, now a former officer, would have also faced dismissal if still serving. The investigation aims to clarify the officers’ actions during the fateful chase and its tragic aftermath, as the families seek answers for such a devastating loss.
