A 23-year-old man faces four motoring offences after a police pursuit through Taunton ended when an Audi A3 struck a pedestrian in his seventies, leaving the victim with life-threatening injuries, bbc.co.uk reported.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11.15pm on Friday, November 6, 2026, in the East Reach area of Taunton, according to the Somerset County Gazette. Avon and Somerset Police officers spotted a vehicle traveling without a front number plate and activated their lights and sirens. The Audi failed to stop, triggering a pursuit that led into the town centre and culminated in the collision.
Jack Hawkings, of Bramley Close in Wellington, has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving without insurance or a licence, Somerset Live reported. Hawkings was held in police custody to appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 9, 2026, as detailed by Rayo.
Two women, aged 21 and 24, were arrested at the same time on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent. They have since been released on conditional bail, according to the Wellington Weekly News.
Following the collision, officers immediately halted the pursuit and administered emergency treatment to the injured man. He was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he remains in a critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Police confirmed that his next of kin have been informed and are receiving updates.
East Reach was closed in both directions while emergency services and investigators worked at the scene, fully reopening at approximately 12.30pm on Saturday. Avon and Somerset Police stated that a heightened police presence would remain in the area to provide public reassurance.
Authorities are liaising with the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which serves as standard procedure following incidents of this nature. Support is also being provided to the police officers and staff involved in the pursuit. Investigators are appealing for any witnesses who saw the collision or the events leading up to it to contact police on 101, quoting reference 5226360682.
