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Officer Killed in Torre del Greco Crash; 28-Year-Old SUV Driver Arrested After Positive Drug Test

Prosecutors filed aggravated vehicular‑homicide plus failure‑to‑assist charges after toxicology showed drug use, with cameras indicating a high‑speed lane invasion.

Overview

  • Aniello Scarpati, 47, an assistant chief coordinator from the Torre del Greco commissariat, died at the scene; he leaves a wife and three children.
  • Ciro Cozzolino, 38, who was driving the patrol car, underwent surgery for a pelvic fracture and remains hospitalized in prognosi riservata.
  • Investigators say a rented BMW X4 carrying six people, including three minors, crossed into the opposite lane and struck the police vehicle; several passengers later sought medical care.
  • The suspected driver, identified as 28‑year‑old Tommaso Severino, was located in a hospital after roughly 12 hours, arrested, and tested positive for drugs including cocaine.
  • The Torre Annunziata prosecutor’s office is pursuing the case using CCTV and accident‑reconstruction evidence; national leaders issued condolences and the city plans civic mourning.