Tragic High-Speed Mercedes Chase Ends in Fatal Crash
Tommy Sharp, 29, and Paddy Connors, 36, died after a deadly police chase in Wiltshire on September 23, 2020. Sharp was behind the wheel of a speeding Mercedes that refused to stop for officers.
Unmarked Police Car Gives Chase
Police, in an unmarked car equipped with blue lights and sirens, spotted the Mercedes racing down Elton Street. They activated their emergency equipment and pursued as Sharp ran a red light and hit 80 mph in a 30 mph zone.
Collision With Two VW Passats—Multiple Injuries
Just under a minute into the chase, at about 11:50 p.m., the Mercedes swerved into oncoming traffic and smashed into two Volkswagen Passats. Sharp and Connors, both in the Mercedes, were badly hurt. Sharp later died in hospital and Connors was pronounced dead at the scene. Three passengers in the VWs suffered serious injuries.
IOPC Investigation Clears Officers, Jury Rules Pursuit Legitimate
Officers performed CPR at the scene before paramedics took over. A lengthy investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), completed in April 2021, found that police followed all policies and procedures. An inquest in February 2023 returned a narrative verdict confirming the police pursuit was “legitimate and proportionate.”
Catherine Bates, IOPC Regional Director, said: “Any loss of life is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with the men’s family and loved ones. Our investigation was thorough and independent. The officers’ actions were consistent with their training and policies. I’d also like to commend the officers who worked hard to save Mr Sharp and Mr Connors immediately after the collision.”
