Arthur Holscher-Ermert was on foot when the incident occurred just after 11.10 p.m. on Saturday night on the A259 South Coast Road in Peacehaven, East Sussex, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the unmarked police car that hit Mr Holscher-Ermert has been informed that he is being investigated for causing death by hazardous driving, according to Britain’s police watchdog.
The anonymous officer, a police constable, will also be probed for possible gross misconduct, according to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC said it will decide whether to refer a case to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of whether the officer should be prosecuted at the conclusion of its investigation. It could take up to six months to complete.
The cop was not arrested. ‘The officer has not performed duties since the incident and will be placed on restricted, non-public-facing duties pending the outcome of the investigation,’ said a Sussex Police spokeswoman.
A police car ran down Arthur earlier this week, according to video. Officers were following the amateur player when he exited his vehicle and fled. Mr Holscher-Ermert attempted to cross the road and was hit by a police BMW, according to dashcam footage.
Officers allegedly handcuffed Mr Holscher-Ermert as he lay face down on the road in a pool of his own blood, wailing for help, according to witnesses. ‘You’ve killed the man, you’ve killed the man,’ yelled one witness.
Mr Holscher-father, Ermert’s Professor Jens Holscher, said: ‘I’m still in shock.’ They should have addressed the situation, and I’m still confused about what transpired. There was apparently a chase, and we’re still not sure if it was an accident.’
The IOPC said it had obtained evidence showing that Mr Holscher-Ermert was driving an Audi that was being pursued by a police car after officers in the Newhaven and Peacehaven areas noticed it.
They claimed the chase concluded in Bramber Avenue, when Mr Holscher-Ermert exited his Audi and was struck by another police vehicle shortly afterwards.
According to IOPC regional director Graham Beesley, the events leading up to the incident and police actions in the aftermath will be investigated, including reports that Mr Holscher-Ermert was handcuffed at the scene.
‘It’s critical that we figure out why Mr Holscher-Ermert was being sought by the police, as well as what, if any, information the cops had on him or the vehicle he was driving,’ he said.
We are aware of claims that Mr Holscher-Ermert was handcuffed at the scene, and this will be investigated further.’
Mr Holscher-family Ermert’s has been informed, and the IOPC will meet with them soon, he said.