Police officer who forced moped rider off road suspected of three crimes

Yle reports, citing Iltalehti, that a prosecutor suspects a police officer who forced a young moped rider off the road in Tuusula of three crimes.

The suspected offences are breach of official duty, aggravated endangerment of traffic safety and causing injury.

Prosecutor Heli Haapalehto told Iltalehti that she is investigating whether the officer acted in accordance with the law and instructions applying to police. Yle was unable to reach Haapalehto despite attempts to contact her.

According to Iltalehti, the officer was alone in the car. Haapalehto is leading the investigation into the police officer. Investigations are led by prosecutors when a police officer is suspected of a crime.

The investigation began after a chase in Tuusula during which the police car forced the moped rider into a ditch. The rider then hit a roadside fence structure, which broke in the collision.

Police said the underage boy suffered minor injuries. Helsinki Police are investigating his driving and any possible criminal liability. The suspected offences involving the moped rider are aggravated endangerment of traffic safety and driving a vehicle without authorisation.