PNP starts identification process of driver, car owner in SLEX hit-and-run case involving cop
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now reviewing all dashcam and highway CCTV footages to identify the owner of the vehicle in a hit-and-run case involving a policeman along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
Part of the investigation is to determine whether or not the owner of the sports utility vehicle was the driver of the car when the incident happened, according to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr.
“This kind of behavior has no place on the road. I am confident that the driver will be identified and be held responsible for the reckless driving that almost cost the life of a policeman,” said Nartatez.
A video from the dashcam showed a police officer from the HPG riding a motorcycle along the leftmost lane of the expressway when a speeding SUV struck him.
The impact caused the officer to lose control and crash, with his motorcycle tumbling several times. The SUV driver did not stop and immediately fled the scene.
Nartatez said he already directed the HPG to coordinate with the LTO (Land Transportation Office) and ensure the filing of appropriate charges against the SUV driver involved in the hit-and-run incident.
Authorities said operations are ongoing to locate the SUV driver as investigators review footage and gather leads from possible witnesses and traffic monitoring systems along SLEX.
Nartatez also assured immediate assistance for the injured officer, including medical support, as the police force condemned the incident.