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Officer Thomas Smith was on a high-speed chase of two motorcyclists when he collided with one near Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest around 11:30 p.m. on June 20, 2020, according to a release from USCP.
During the pursuit, Smith was driving in a "reckless and dangerous manner and was deliberately indifferent to the risk of harm he created," the US Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia said.
In addition, "USCP policies and procedures prohibit police vehicle pursuits outside the Capitol Grounds, except in emergencies and approved by a supervisor," USCP added.
Officer Smith then allegedly left the scene and switched cars without rendering aid to the victim or calling for help. He later lied about his involvement in the crash. Officer Smith has since been suspended without pay pending the outcome of the case.
Officer Smith is expected to be arraigned on several federal charges, including Obstruction of Justice and Falsification of Records, within the next week, the US Attorney's Office reports.
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