Worcestershire nurse calling for more action to bring crash driver to justice
West Mercia Police acknowledge their response wasn't acceptable
Last updated 13th May 2024
A mental health nurse from Malvern who was injured in a collision in Herefordshire has called for more to be done by authorities to bring the person responsible to justice.
US native, 22-year-old Isaac Calderon, collided with Elizabeth Donowho's car on the A4103 near Shucknall in July 2023.
It is believed the car was travelling in excess of the 50 mile per hour speed limit.
The incident left Elizabeth with significant injuries to her legs - leaving her unable to walk for six weeks.
Calderon was able to flee the country as he hadn't been arrested, despite West Mercia Police describing the 22-year-old as a "flight risk."
A review of the force's response has found it wasn't acceptable - and that the original complaint made to police should be reconsidered.
In response, Chief Superintendent Gareth Morris said: “We are aware of the findings of a review by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner of a complaint made to West Mercia Police. We are in the process of considering the contents of that review and will engage with Ms Donowho and her representatives on next steps that will be taken. As legal proceedings remain active it would be inappropriate for us to comment further.”
Speaking to us earlier about the last 9 months, Elizabeth said: "I am very frustrated, angry with the police, anxious...lots of feelings that aren't particularly positive.
"I am very frustrated, angry with the police, anxious...lots of feelings that aren't particularly positive.
"I feel very strongly that I shouldn't have found myself in this situation. On top of recovering from serious injuries, I don't need this stress on top of everything else.
"West Mercia Police accepting that mistakes were made and that he Isaac Calderon should have been arrested is a step forward, but now we need to get him back here to face the consequences of his actions."
Similarities between this case and that of Anne Sacoolas have been made.
The wife of an American diplomat left Britain after killing teenage biker Harry Dunn in a crash in 2019.
Elizabeth said: "Since the incident involving Anne Sacoolas, there have been other incidents involving American service people stationed in this country. Since then, the police have done the right thing by arresting those responsible immediately.
"All I want to know is why. Why wasn't he arrested at the scene? What makes this case different to others that have happened?"