√Google Street View car crashes during police chase in the US

A Google Street View mapping car reportedly sped away from police at more than 160km/h during a pursuit in the US.

A Google Street View mapping vehicle has crashed through a backyard and landed in a creek after allegedly leading police on a high-speed pursuit in the US.

Speeds reportedly topped “well over” 160km/h during the bizarre incident, with footage showing the tech-loaded SUV swerving between traffic and running red lights before losing control.

It’s unclear if interactive 360-degree images were captured of the frantic dash and swampy waterway.

Indiana police say the Honda HR-V SUV failed to pull over in the town of Middletown about 5:00pm on 31 July 2023.

After racing past a high school, the vehicle allegedly attempted a daring maneuver to avoid a closed bridge and lost control. About 20 kilometres were covered.

“It drove through a yard and then into a creek where it became stuck,” police said in a media statement.

The most up-to-date Street View maps of the area were published in July, but shopfront reflections suggest a Hyundai hatchback was also collecting data at the time.

A number plate search for the crashed Honda HR-V suggests it is a 2019 model, and registered in California.

The vehicle’s top speed is just a fraction higher than the reported 160km/h reached. A 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sends about 105kW/172Nm to the front wheels via a continuously-variable automatic transmission.

The driver was identified as Coleman Ferguson of Florida and arrested at the scene. He allegedly told officers he “worked for Google and was scared to stop.”

A spokesperson for Google told Drive: “We partner with contractors to drive and collect imagery.

“We take the safety of our Street View operations very seriously, and we’re committed to working with the contracted company and local authorities to ensure the proper actions are taken to address this situation.”

About 16 million kilometres of road in 83 countries was accessible on Street View as of 2017.

A fleet of about 250 cars worldwide use a roof-mounted system comprising more than a dozen cameras to stitch together interactive 360-degree images.

The post Google Street View car crashes during police chase in the US appeared first on Drive.