A head-on collision between an SUV and a patrol car near Naples killed a 47-year-old police officer, while his colleague was injured. The driver has been located. 

On the night between October 31st and November 1st, Assistant Chief Coordinator Aniello Scarpati, 47, a resident of Portici, lost his life in a violent road accident on Viale Europa. His colleague was with him on board the patrol car Ciro Cozzolino, 38, was seriously injured and admitted to intensive care at the Ospedale del Mare, with multiple fractures and internal contusions.

At first it was assumed that it was a chase, But the Subsequent checks have clarified a different pictureThe police car was hit by a BMW X4, six people on board, of which three are minors, that, proceeding at high speed, it would have invaded the opposite laneThe impact did overturn the officers' car, causing it to fall into a ditch near the Santa Maria la Bruna railway station.

The driver of the SUV, a 28-year-old, He fled immediately after the accident but was tracked down at Maresca hospital, where he had gone to get medical treatment, and was arrested. The police are investigating a hit-and-run case. The car was found to be a rental.

Aniello Scarpati, who had that night He replaced a colleague who was unable to work and leaves behind a wife and three children. Il connect to the guide of the flying squad was underwent surgery and remains in a guarded prognosis. “Patient in guarded prognosis, intubated and on mechanical ventilation. Embolized and reduced pelvic fracture. Various organ contusions. He will undergo subsequent diagnostic tests for clinical reassessment,” the medical bulletin states.

At the scene of the accident colleagues intervened and freed the two officers from the car. The police chief of Naples, Maurizio Agricola went to the scene, to the hospital and to Scarpati's family home. The municipal administration of Torre del Greco has already a day of mourning has been announced for the funeral. The commissioner also commented on the incident, stating: "On my own behalf and on behalf of all the men and women of the Naples and province State Police, I express my deepest condolences to the family of Assistant Chief Coordinator Aniello Scarpati for his tragic loss while on duty, ensuring safety and protecting the common good. My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of the other injured officer."

Numerous reactions from the institutions. The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, declared himself "deeply saddened by the death of the police officer". Stating in a message sent to the Chief of Police: "I have learned of the road accident that occurred in Torre del Greco in the early hours of today, involving a State Police vehicle on duty, in which Assistant Chief Coordinator Aniello Scarpati lost his life. Deeply saddened, I express my feelings of solidarity and closeness to you and to the entire Corps, asking you to convey my heartfelt condolences to the family. I extend my heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured officer."

La Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni She wrote on X that she was “Saddened by the death of a policeman and the injury of his colleague” and continued in the post: “My deepest condolences go to the family of the Assistant Chief Coordinator, Aniello Scarpati, together with the closeness that I wish to express to the injured officer and to the entire State Police”

Il Deputy Prime Minister Salvini, instead, declared: "A tragedy that leaves us speechless. A prayer for the officer who lost his life doing his duty and a thought of affection and strength for the injured colleague. Our closeness and condolences to the family of the fallen police officer and to the entire State Police."

Il Chief of Police, Prefect Vittorio Pisani, he pointed out how Scarpati's dedication and sacrifice "are and always will be an example for all of us", then expressing his condolences to the family. Condolences also came from Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Deputy Prime Ministers Antonio Tajani and Guido Crosetto, Senate President Ignazio La Russa, and Chamber of Deputies Speaker Lorenzo Fontana. The National Association of Police Officers he recalled the event as “an episode that recalls, once again, the daily commitment and risks that the women and men of the State Police face in their service to the country”