The wife of a US intelligence official who is alleged to have killed teenage motorcyclist Harry Dunn is “wanted internationally” after Interpol issued a notice for her arrest.
Anne Sacoolas, 42, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in December, but an extradition request submitted by the Home Office was rejected by US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in January.
Interpol, which coordinates international police cooperation, has now reportedly issued a red notice for her arrest.
The red notice is not an international arrest warrant, but are issued for fugitives wanted for prosecution or sentencing.
The process is normally used so member countries can look out for the suspect, which usually assists with the extradition proceedings.
In an email to the 19-year-old’s parents from Northamptonshire Police, seen by the PA news agency, the force said “the wanted circulations should be enacted” should Sacoolas leave the US.
Harry was killed when his motorbike and a car outside a US military base in Northamptonshire collided in August last year.
Sacoolas, the wife of a US intelligence official based at RAF Croughton, claimed diplomatic immunity following the crash and was able to return to her home country, sparking an international controversy.
On April 30, a spokesperson for the US State Department reiterated its position that, at the time of the accident, and for the duration of her time in the UK, the driver had immunity from criminal jurisdiction.
The teenager’s mother said the news had been passed to the parents via their spokesperson, Radd Seiger.
Reacting to the news, Charlotte Charles told the PA news agency: “It’s been a terrible time for us. We are utterly bereft and heartbroken and miss our Harry every minute of every single day.
“This is important news that Radd has just passed on to us and we are in pieces.
“I just want to urge Mrs Sacoolas to come back to the UK and do the right thing. Face justice and maybe then our two families can come together after the tragedy and build a bridge.”
Giving his thoughts on the development, Seiger said: “Northamptonshire Police have confirmed to me that an Interpol Red Notice has now been circulated worldwide in respect of Anne Sacoolas.
“It renders her a fugitive on the run and it means that she would be arrested and returned to the UK the minute she attempts to set foot out of the USA.
“Red notices would not be served on valid diplomats. I would urge the authorities in London and Washington and Mrs Sacoolas’ legal team to come together now to return her to the UK to face the English justice system where she will get a fair trial.
“I am sure that both families have suffered for far too long and it is time for her to do the right thing and come back.”
After the news emerged, the prime minister’s spokesperson said: “Our position remains that the US decision not to extradite Anne Sacoolas amounts to a denial of justice.
“We have made this clear to the US, including the prime minister to president Trump...we have worked throughout to try to get justice for Harry Dunn and his family and we have been clear throughout that Anne Sacoolas should return to the UK to face justice.”