25.11.01.Today News : Unlicensed E-Scooter Crackdown Leads to Teen’s Brain Injury, Officer Charged

Unlicensed E-Scooter Crackdown Leads to Teen’s Brain Injury, Officer Charged

📍Teen diagnosed with traumatic brain injury after police intervention — officer indicted for professional negligence

A police officer has been referred to prosecutors for allegedly injuring a high school student while stopping an unlicensed electric scooter.The student suffered a brain hemorrhage and skull fracture, sparking internal debate among police about the risks and burdens of such enforcement actions.

A police officer who was cracking down on unlicensed electric kick scooters has been referred to prosecutors on charges of knocking over and injuring a high school student.

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🔹 Incident Overview
The Incheon Metropolitan Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit announced on the 1st that Officer A from a local precinct was indicted without detention on charges of professional negligence causing injury. On June 13 at around 2:45 p.m., Officer A allegedly caused high school student B, who was riding an unlicensed electric scooter in Bupyeong District, Incheon, to fall and sustain serious injuries while attempting to stop him.

Investigations revealed that Officer A tried to stop B after seeing him and a companion riding on the sidewalk without helmets, grabbing his arm to make him stop — which led to the accident.

🔹 Injuries and Medical Treatment
The student riding on the back of the scooter began convulsing after the fall and was immediately taken to the emergency room. He was diagnosed with traumatic brain hemorrhage and a skull fracture and discharged after ten days of treatment. Although his condition stabilized, his parents condemned the officer’s actions as “excessive enforcement.”

🔹 Family Complaint and Legal Proceedings
The student’s parents filed a criminal complaint for professional negligence and are also pursuing a civil damages lawsuit against the officer. Police investigators acknowledged that while the students violated traffic laws, there was a causal link between the officer’s enforcement and the injuries, concluding that negligence was established.

🔹 Police Reactions and Legal Controversy
The case has sparked concern among officers over the risks of enforcing e-scooter regulations.
Despite the legal requirement for scooter riders to hold a license, rental companies are not legally obligated to verify user licenses.

Some platforms even minimize verification to attract users, leading to repeated illegal and underage riding cases. Officers argue that without stricter systems or clear legal backing, they bear disproportionate responsibility for enforcement-related accidents.

One-line summary : A police officer faces criminal charges after a high school student suffered a brain hemorrhage during an unlicensed e-scooter crackdown.