A mental health nurse who was left unable to walk for six weeks after a car crash has been told the service provided by police was “acceptable” despite the US suspect leaving the country before facing court.
Issac Calderon is accused of causing 56-year-old Elizabeth Donowho, from Malvern, serious injury by dangerous driving following a collision in July last year.
Ms Donowho submitted a complaint to West Mercia Police after discovering Calderon was able to leave the UK on a commercial flight to Texas on November 25 despite being labelled a potential “flight risk”.
The force said the suspect was not arrested immediately after the incident on the A4103 near Shucknall in Herefordshire due to requiring medical attention for serious injuries.
As a result of not being arrested, Calderon had no bail conditions imposed.
In a letter responding to Ms Donowho’s complaint, a representative of the force’s professional standards department said there was “no indication” he would not attend Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court on December 1.
The letter read: ““He provided a fixed address, had attended a voluntary interview, and complied with all police processes.
“He had been in the country since March 2023. He was asked about his future movements during interview, and he stated he would be in the country until March 2024, and provided a work visa to show the length of his stay.
“We fully expected the defendant to turn up to court, therefore, there was never any reason to arrest him, and as such this removes any ability to place any conditions of bail on him, including seizing his passport.”
“Based on the conclusions of this complaint case, the outcome is that the service provided by the police was acceptable, and in this case, there was no learning identified.”
Ms Donowho suffered multiple fractures in the crash – including both ankles, her sternum and her right hand.
Police previously told Ms Donowho that Calderon had been carrying out work “associated with the secret service” and was working on matters “that might come under the Official Secrets Act”.
Ms Donowho said the response added insult to injury.
“They have let me down over and over again and it just continues.
“Calderon should have surrendered his passport and they only have themselves to blame for their mistake."
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It is understood there are no issues surrounding diplomatic immunity in Calderon’s case.
Chief Superintendent Gareth Morris, of West Mercia Police, said they understood it has been distressing and frustrating.
“As her and the public would rightly expect, we have thoroughly reviewed our response to the incident and shared the findings with Ms Donowho.
“There are legal criteria for when an arrest can be made, and they were not met on this occasion due to the immediate medical needs of the suspect, and his subsequent co-operation with our investigation.
“The police do not have a general power to seize a person’s passport and the criteria to do so was not met at the time.”
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