Police response to car theft part of probe into fatalities
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Long Island police official says it appears officers were not technically pursuing a suspected car thief during a crash that claimed five lives.
A stolen Camaro crashed into an oil truck and a Mazda, which struck another vehicle and burst into flames. The crash Wednesday in the hamlet of Ridge killed four people in the Mazda and a passenger in the stolen car.
Suffolk County Police Chief Stuart Cameron says the police response to the car theft will be part of the investigation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Newsday reports that Cameron says patrol cars "were some distance behind" the stolen car when the four-vehicle wreck occurred.
During an official pursuit, officers must check in with dispatcher and assess the nature of the crime and the safety of the officers and the public.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Information from: Newsday, http://www.newsday.com