CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The elderly Charleston woman driving a car struck by a Charleston police cruiser last Wednesday has died, according to Chief of Police Brent Webster.
Webster said he got the call from the state Medical Examiner’s Office Monday morning.
“I’m sad to announce the lady has passed away from her injuries,” Webster said during an appearance on 580Live hosted by Charleston Mayor Danny Jones.
Webster identified the police officer involved in the collision as Stephen Doss, a two-year patrolman with the department. He was placed on paid administrative leave last Friday, Webster said.
Previously released information said Doss was responding to an emergency call at Orchard Manor last Friday at 10:10 a.m. when his cruiser slammed into the woman’s vehicle as both traveled on West Washington Street near the Maryland Ave. intersection. Webster said Doss was exceeding the speed limit and had not activated the cruiser’s emergency lights and siren.
The Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office has asked to review the police department’s investigation into the crash, Webster said.
“We will forward the report over. We hope to have this completed this week, definitely no longer than 7 to 10 days. The officer will be on leave pending the outcome of that investigation,” Webster said.
Police plan to give the family some time before releasing the name of the woman killed, Webster said.
Mayor Jones apologized to the family Monday morning.
“I am so very sorry and I know I speak on behalf of everybody involved in this. It’s completely needless,” he said.