A woman critically injured in a crash during a police pursuit in Stratford-upon-Avon has died. Karen Joseph, 62, from Stratford-upon-Avon, was taken to hospital with critical injuries after a black Audi A3 driven by Roman Kalas, 19, crashed into her car on Warwick Road on August 24. She died on Friday, according to the police watchdog.
Details of the Pursuit
Warwickshire Police said officers followed Mr Kalas’s car for around six minutes after he failed to stop for police on Birmingham Road. The vehicle’s sirens were activated and emergency lights were on, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said. The vehicle made off in the direction of the A46 before travelling back towards Stratford on the A439 Warwick Road, where the crash occurred.
Mr Kalas died at the scene. A post-mortem examination gave the initial cause of death as traumatic head and chest injuries, the IOPC said. Mrs Joseph’s daughter, who was a passenger in her mother’s car, suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Investigation and Inquests
The IOPC is conducting an independent investigation into the incident. Inquests for Mr Kalas and Mrs Joseph are due to be opened by the coroner for Warwickshire, Sean McGovern, on Friday.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “Our deepest sympathies are with the family and friends and everyone affected by the deaths of Roman Kalas and Karen Joseph. We have spoken with both families to advise them of our investigation, and they will be provided with regular updates. They have requested privacy at this difficult time.”
Impact and Next Steps
Campbell added: “Given two members of the public have died in an incident involving a police pursuit, it’s important that an independent investigation is carried out to establish the full circumstances.” The IOPC will provide regular updates to the families, who have requested privacy during this difficult time.
