In the Rostov region, a traffic police vehicle that was in pursuit of a suspect involved in criminal activity was involved in a serious collision. An officer did not survive the crash, and a partner sustained injuries. The information comes from the regional department of road safety and was reported by the state information agency TASS, citing UGIBDD, the regional traffic police administration.
The incident unfolded in the morning hours on January 5 on Lenin Street in the town of Morozovsk. According to preliminary reports, the driver of the vehicle being pursued did not comply with stop signals issued by police, and a chase began. During the high-speed pursuit, the patrol car with its emergency lights activated navigated onto a one-way street, attempting to continue the pursuit.
During the pursuit, the police car clipped the side of a KamAZ vehicle that was emerging from a secondary road. The patrol vehicle veered to the shoulder of the road and struck a power line pole as it lost control. The collision generated a plume of debris and left the patrol car severely damaged.
As a result of the crash, the 32-year-old police lieutenant who was driving the patrol car was killed on impact. His 33-year-old partner, who was riding in the same vehicle, was hospitalized with injuries described as serious but not immediately life-threatening. The suspect’s vehicle, the one used in the attempted escape, escaped the scene and remained at large as law enforcement agencies initiated a manhunt and coordinated search efforts.
Authorities immediately launched a comprehensive response plan, including securing the crash site, collecting evidence, and initiating interviews with witnesses. Investigators are reviewing dashcam footage, telephone communications, and traffic camera recordings to reconstruct the events leading up to the collision. A formal inquiry has been opened to determine the precise sequence of actions taken by all parties involved and to assess compliance with standard police procedures during roadside stops and pursuits. The community is offered condolences for the loss of the officer and support for the injured colleague, while officials reassure residents that safety steps will be reviewed and reinforced where necessary. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.