© Domingos Oliveira / RTL Télé Lëtzebuerg
The motorist whose attempt to escape a police check resulted in a fatal crash for a policeman has been arrested, it was announced on Saturday evening.
The police announced late Saturday that the motorist whose behaviour led to the Saturday afternoon crash has been identified. He was arrested and was presented before the judge on Sunday.
The man was identified as a 37-year-old company owner from the north of the country. After being presented to Diekirch's investigating judge, the man "confessed to having tried to escape the police in his car while knowing that he had abused alcohol," said the Diekirch prosecutor.
The man was charged with involuntary homicide and involuntary assault. He was also charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Faces a 5 year jail term and up to 15 years driving ban
In the case of a crash occurring in a state of drunkenness or while speeding, the driver faces a 5 year jail term when a victim dies as the result of the accident. For driving while drunk, the driver may face a maximum 3 year jail penalty, a fine and a ban on driving of up to 15 years - mandatory in the case of drunkenness. His car may be confiscated.
The man is currently awaiting trial in detention while the investigation continues. The police inspectorate general has also started an investigation into the incident.
Police check ends in fatal crash
The two police cars involved in the chase violently crashed into each other on the highway between Heinerscheid and Weiswampach on Saturday afternoon while the driver of the chased car was hiding out at a petrol station. A policewoman sitting in the passenger seat of one of the cars was injured and remains in critical condition. Three other people involved in the accident were also injured. All were hospitalised, and the policewoman immediately underwent surgery.
The police were carrying out a speed check in Weiswampach when the man tried to slip through the checkpoint.
The police set out in pursuit of the motorist immediately, leading to the tragic consequences.
The N7 was closed to traffic following the crash but has since re-opened.
