Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A traffic police officer was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Navoi.

The incident occurred on 19 January, when a traffic police officer stopped a Kia Sonet vehicle for violating traffic rules. However, the driver ignored the officer’s instructions, drove onto the opposite lane, and hit the officer before fleeing the scene. The officer succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

It was later revealed that the driver was a 16-year-old student without a driver’s license.

Currently, the Navoi prosecutor’s office is conducting a preliminary investigation.

An investigation has been launched against the underage driver. He faces charges under Articles 266 ("Violation of traffic safety rules or vehicle operation") and 117 ("Leaving someone in danger") of the Criminal Code.