A tragic incident unfolded in North London on October 12 when a young Brazilian delivery rider, Cristopher de Carvalho Guedes, lost his life in a collision with a police car that had run a red light. The 26-year-old, who had recently arrived in the UK from Gama near the Brazilian capital Brasilia, had embarked on this journey for what his sister, Thaísa Carvalho Guedes, described as a ‘better story’. Just over a month into his new life in London, working as a delivery rider, his dreams were shattered in the blink of an eye.
Mr. Guedes succumbed to fatal injuries, including rib fractures and a punctured lung, a day after the accident. His family, devastated by the loss, shared the heartbreaking news with the world. His sister revealed that he had left his homeland in pursuit of a brighter future. “He gave up history here to have a better story there,” she said, expressing the profound sacrifice her brother had made.
The news of his untimely demise reverberated through the community, especially at the Restituição Gama church, where he used to attend. The church, mourning the loss, requested prayers from friends and family, acknowledging the positive impact Mr. Guedes had within their community. A spokesperson for the church expressed their grief on social media, commemorating his contributions and acknowledging his valiant spirit: “You fought the good fight.”
In the aftermath of the incident, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched a thorough investigation. The focus of their inquiry was the police constable who was behind the wheel of the car involved in the collision. The officer, responding to an emergency call, drove through a red light at Southbury Road while Mr. Guedes was turning onto Baird Road. The IOPC, after reviewing body-worn and dashcam footage, revealed that the officer was being investigated for potential offenses of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless or inconsiderate driving, as well as potential gross misconduct.
Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC Regional Director, expressed deep condolences to Mr. Guedes’ family and friends, both in the UK and Brazil, acknowledging the tragedy that had befallen them. The IOPC assured the family of their dedication to uncovering the truth. As part of their investigation, they planned to obtain video footage from local buses and CCTV cameras, interview witnesses, and gather an account from the other officer involved in the incident. The officer responsible for driving the police vehicle would be interviewed under criminal caution, ensuring a comprehensive and fair inquiry.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving loss of life. The IOPC’s commitment to seeking justice for Mr. Guedes and his grieving family underscores the necessity of accountability and transparency in such unfortunate events. As the investigation unfolds, the hope for answers and closure remains a beacon for those affected by this devastating tragedy.
