WSMV Channel 4 THP: Trooper deliberately drove past deadly wreck

THP: Trooper deliberately drove past deadly wreck

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Tennessee Highway Patrol has determined that a trooper engaged in a chase deliberately drove past the car after it crashed.

The driver was killed instantly, but Trooper Charles Van Morgan did not know that when he drove away from the scene on Nov. 20.

Morgan returned a few minutes later after another officer spotted the car in flames.

Morgan told investigators that he then got out his fire extinguisher in order to "put on a show," according to a letter obtained by the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Morgan claimed not to have seen the wrecked car initially, but investigators concluded that was not possible.

The THP has recommended Morgan's termination.

The parents of victim Gordon Anito have filed a $10 million wrongful death suit against Morgan and the THP.

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