A police officer has been fully acquitted after causing a traffic accident in central Linköping last year. The collision occurred at the Drottninggatan and Sankt Larsgatan intersection on June 4.
Two police vehicles were responding to the same ongoing criminal incident in the Vidingsjö district. One officer decided to drive through a red light during the emergency response. The police cars collided with each other and also hit a stationary bus.
All involved parties were taken to hospital for medical checks. The incident was investigated by special prosecution chambers. The officer who ran the red light faced charges for causing bodily injury and traffic negligence.
Linköping District Court chose to completely clear the officer despite establishing he caused the accident. The court ruled he had the right to drive through red lights during emergency responses if exercising particular caution.
According to the court, the investigation showed the officer didn't take a conscious risk when driving through the intersection. The accident resulted from an error in judgment and what the court called "the very unfortunate circumstance that another police car drove through the intersection at high speed."
It was previously clear the officer would keep his job regardless of the verdict. Swedish police officers typically maintain employment unless gross negligence is proven.
The ruling highlights the legal protections for emergency responders in Sweden. Police have special traffic privileges when responding to urgent situations, though they must still exercise reasonable care.
This case shows the balance courts must strike between holding emergency personnel accountable and allowing them to perform their duties effectively. The court ultimately sided with the officer's need to respond quickly to criminal activity.