Teen who fatally struck traffic officer hijacked BMW – Prosecutor's office files charges

Minor allegedly hijacked vehicle before fatal collision

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the incident occurred on the night of February 25 at around 9:30 p.m. in the Mirabad district of Tashkent. A 10th-grade student, born in 2010, allegedly learned that a BMW belonging to the sister of an acquaintance had been left at a car wash facility. The vehicle was reportedly left in the parking area with its key inside.

The minor is suspected of unlawfully taking the car and driving off without authorization. Investigators said he did not possess a driver’s license or the necessary vehicle documents.

While driving along Nukus Street in Mirabad district, the suspect allegedly ignored a lawful order to stop issued by traffic police inspector Khosilbek Eshnazarov, who was regulating traffic with a baton to ensure pedestrian and road user safety. Despite other vehicles having stopped, the driver reportedly maneuvered sharply around cars ahead and beside him, creating a hazardous situation.

Authorities said the vehicle struck Eshnazarov while he was performing his official duties, causing life-threatening injuries. Although doctors provided intensive medical care for three days, the officer died in hospital on February 27.

Prior misconduct and social media motives alleged

Preliminary investigation materials indicate that the minor had previously demonstrated reckless behavior, including installing unauthorized sirens and signal lights on vehicles and amplifying engine noise. Prosecutors allege he sought to show off on Instagram and other social media platforms by displaying foreign-made cars and engaging in dangerous driving.

Earlier this year, on January 9, the suspect’s father was held administratively liable under Article 47 of the Code on Administrative Responsibility for failing to fulfill parental obligations after the teenager had previously ignored lawful stop orders by traffic officers.

Despite those measures, authorities say the unlawful conduct continued.

Criminal charges and investigation

The suspect has been formally charged under Article 267, Part 1 (vehicle hijacking) and Article 104, Part 3, Clause “d” (intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm resulting in death) of the Criminal Code. He has been detained in accordance with Article 221 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The Prosecutor General’s Office stated that the investigation has been placed under special supervision to ensure a comprehensive, full and impartial inquiry, and that the inevitability of punishment will be strictly upheld.

Officer’s service record and state support for family

The Tashkent City Main Department of Internal Affairs confirmed that Khosilbek Eshnazarov had served in the internal affairs bodies since 2022. He began his career in Yashnobod district, worked in patrol-post service from 2024, and from 2025 served as a road patrol service inspector within the capital’s department.

During his service, he participated in the prevention of offenses and helped maintain public order at hundreds of large-scale and mass events. He identified 1,392 traffic violations, including 324 serious offenses, stopped 14 intoxicated drivers, and documented 52 violations involving driving in the opposite lane, operating vehicles without documents, and running red lights.

Eshnazarov was 33 years old. He is survived by his parents, his wife, and three children – two daughters and a son.

The Interior Ministry stated that the officer was laid to rest with the participation of colleagues and ministry leadership. His family will be placed under state protection.