Overview
- Aniello Scarpati, 47, died at the scene when a police patrol car was struck in viale Europa around 2 a.m., while colleague Ciro Cozzolino, 38, remains in intensive care after pelvic surgery with prognosis reserved.
- Police arrested 28‑year‑old Tommaso Severino about 12 hours after the collision at Ospedale Maresca and transferred him to Poggioreale prison pending a judge’s review.
- Prosecutors have opened an inquiry for aggravated vehicular homicide and omission of rescue, with the two other adult passengers under investigation for complicity in omission and juvenile measures initiated for three minors.
- Investigators say the rented BMW X4 lost control on a downhill curve, crossed into the opposite lane and hit the patrol car, which overturned into a ravine, with CCTV, rental records and forensic tests guiding the reconstruction.
- Toxicology tests found Severino positive for alcohol and cocaine; the SUV’s occupants fled immediately after the crash, with some later seeking treatment as detectives work to verify speed and establish full responsibility.