A Police Officer's Deadly Pursuit: Speeds Reaching 93mph in Fatal Bristol Chase
A high-speed police chase in Bristol city centre ended in tragedy when a BMW driven by PC Matthew Pike reached speeds of up to 93mph, contributing to the fatal crash that killed 35-year-old Dr Keryl Johnson. The pursuit, which began on November 4, 2021, at midnight, was sparked after Johnson's Honda Jazz collided with a white Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by Lewis Griffin.
According to forensic experts, Pike had activated his blue lights and sirens in an attempt to apprehend Griffin, who failed to stop. The average speed of the BMW during the chase was estimated to be 70mph, while Griffin's Volkswagen reached 90mph as they approached the Old Market roundabout, where both vehicles were traveling at a heart-stopping pace of up to 93mph.
Johnson, who died several days later from her injuries, had been driving his Honda Jazz through the city centre when he was struck by Griffin's vehicle. The collision also killed Johnson's passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed.
Pike, a trained police driver with advanced skills, was initially praised for his bravery and professionalism in responding to the emergency. However, as the trial progressed, it emerged that his actions had also contributed to the fatal crash. Prosecutors argued that while Griffin's driving was the primary cause of Johnson's death, Pike's reckless pursuit must be taken into account.
The police officer denies both charges, which carry severe penalties for causing death by dangerous driving and careless driving. The trial continues, with jurors now considering the evidence presented in the tragic case.
A high-speed police chase in Bristol city centre ended in tragedy when a BMW driven by PC Matthew Pike reached speeds of up to 93mph, contributing to the fatal crash that killed 35-year-old Dr Keryl Johnson. The pursuit, which began on November 4, 2021, at midnight, was sparked after Johnson's Honda Jazz collided with a white Volkswagen Tiguan being driven by Lewis Griffin.
According to forensic experts, Pike had activated his blue lights and sirens in an attempt to apprehend Griffin, who failed to stop. The average speed of the BMW during the chase was estimated to be 70mph, while Griffin's Volkswagen reached 90mph as they approached the Old Market roundabout, where both vehicles were traveling at a heart-stopping pace of up to 93mph.
Johnson, who died several days later from her injuries, had been driving his Honda Jazz through the city centre when he was struck by Griffin's vehicle. The collision also killed Johnson's passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed.
Pike, a trained police driver with advanced skills, was initially praised for his bravery and professionalism in responding to the emergency. However, as the trial progressed, it emerged that his actions had also contributed to the fatal crash. Prosecutors argued that while Griffin's driving was the primary cause of Johnson's death, Pike's reckless pursuit must be taken into account.
The police officer denies both charges, which carry severe penalties for causing death by dangerous driving and careless driving. The trial continues, with jurors now considering the evidence presented in the tragic case.
! That police chase was absolute madness - 93mph is just insane 
. You gotta feel for Dr Johnson's family though, losing their loved one in such a senseless accident 
. I mean, Pike's skills as a driver are impressive and all, but not worth risking lives like that 
. Prosecutors have a point - reckless driving is never acceptable. Fingers crossed the jury delivers a just verdict 
. Can't believe this case has gone on for so long already... justice needs to be served ASAP 
this is just so senseless... a police officer's actions can be lifesaving, but also devastating when it goes wrong 
93mph is crazy even for an expert driver... what was going through pc pierce's mind during that chase? 
. And now, it's all coming down to whether he's guilty or not... I hope the jurors can see the bigger picture and consider the impact of Pike's actions on Johnson and his passenger 
It's not just Griffin's driving, it's also about how PC Pike reacted in that split second. He activated his lights and sirens, which must've put a lot of pressure on Griffin to stop ASAP.
. Maybe they should look into ways to reduce speed limits or implement more effective traffic management systems? I mean, we have roads with speed cameras and whatnot, so it's not like it's rocket science 
.
. They're going through this incredibly tough time, and we can only hope that justice is served 
.
Just kidding, this is no laughing matter. PC Pike's got some serious skills behind the wheel, but maybe not as much common sense. Like, who activates blue lights and sirens in a city centre chase at midnight? 
You'd think they'd wait till morning when everyone's still alive and awake... or so I thought! 
Anyway, hope PC Pike gets the justice he needs, but also hopes he doesn't get a speeding ticket for life... just saying. 
but 93mph is just insane 
! How can you even maintain such speed on a wet road? 
I feel bad for the poor victim, Dr Johnson's family must be going through hell 
. Can't we all just take a deep breath and try to learn from this tragedy? 
Maybe the police department needs to review their protocols for emergency chases 
? Just thinkin' about it is giving me anxiety 
and yeah Griffin's driving was bad too but still 
the whole situation just seems like a huge mess 
my thoughts are with Dr Keryl Johnson's family... this is just heartbreaking, a 93mph chase in city centre? how many lives were put at risk because of someone else's reckless decision 
... it's a miracle there weren't more casualties. sending love and support to all those affected