The father of a man killed by an unmarked police car has spoken of his relief and surprise after news that two officers could be charged following his death.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is recommending charges are brought against the driver and another officer following the death of Arthur Hoelscher-Ermert near Bramber Avenue, Peacehaven.
The 27-year-old died in the street after he was hit by the police car at Peacehaven last year.
Shocked eyewitnesses filmed as officers tried to handcuff Arthur who was crying out in pain.
The police driver has not been arrested or suspended and has been on restricted duties since the incident on April 30 last year.
Following a 12-month investigation, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is recommending the Crown Prosecution Service considers charging two police officers in connection with Arthur's death.
The IOPC said it will send a file to the CPS recommending it considers charging both policemen.
The driver was investigated on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and manslaughter.
A second officer was investigated on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.
The CPS will decide which, if any, offences the officers will be charged with.
Arthur’s father, economics professor Jens Hoelscher, said the family are relieved and surprised.
“I think it’s good news in principle,” he said. “Let’s see what happens next.
“The first hurdle has been taken and, therefore, I think that is good news.
“The question is now how long it will take? At least we got there.
“You never know what the CPS decision will be but I welcome this and I am relieved.
“It went a bit faster than I was expecting but we don’t know how long the CPS will take to make their decision. The CPS still don’t have any files, so it will take a while.”
Prof Hoelscher said the family are happy with the presentation of facts from the IOPC.
He said: “The second officer was relative news. It’s amazing, but fair. I was a bit surprised about the second one but it’s what we were hoping for.
“Now, the suggestion to press charges against two officers is a really good development.
“We have really good solicitors who are really on the case."
A spokesman for the IOPC said: “The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is referring a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to consider charges against two Sussex Police officers relating to the death of Arthur Hölscher-Ermert. Mr Hölscher-Ermert, aged 27, died after he was struck by a Sussex police vehicle in Peacehaven on the evening of 30 April, 2022.
“Moments before the collision, Mr Hölscher-Ermert had got out of an Audi on Bramber Avenue after being pursued by another police vehicle.”
IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said: “Following the conclusion of our investigation and after carefully considering the evidence, we have decided there is an indication that both officers may have committed a criminal offence.
“It’s important to note that a referral to the CPS does not necessarily mean that criminal charges will follow.
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“It will now be for the CPS to determine whether charges should be brought and if so, what charges those should be.
“We have informed the family of Arthur Hölscher-Ermert and have kept them updated throughout our investigation and we have also advised the officers of our decision. Our sympathies remain with everyone affected by this incident.”
A spokesman for Sussex Police said both officers remain on restricted duty.
“We have supported the independent investigation and continue to offer our full co-operation," he said.
“We await the outcome of the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and will take appropriate action in response to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) report which we have now received.
“As this remains a live criminal investigation, we are unable to comment further.
“The two serving officers remain on duty with appropriate restrictions in place, which remain subject to regular review while we await the decision by the CPS.”
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