A public-spirited van driver pulled over to offer armed Kent Police officers a lift during a dramatic chase in Margate, helping them apprehend a suspect wanted in connection with a serious assault. The incredible moment was caught on officers’ body-worn cameras.
Remarkable footage has captured the moment an ordinary member of the public played a pivotal role in helping armed officers apprehend a suspect in Margate.
The van driver who provided the spontaneous lift to armed officers during the pursuit in Thanet, Kent, has since been widely praised for his actions.
The gripping footage, recorded on police body cameras, opens with the shout: “armed police, stay where you are.”
Armed officers from Kent Police had been responding to reports of a serious assault when a wanted suspect managed to slip away and fled on foot, heading towards Tivoli Road.
Footage from one officer’s body-worn camera captures the moment the van driver pulled over to assist the armed officers in their pursuit of the fleeing suspect.
As he drew up alongside them, the driver told the officer: “Get in the back.”
The officer obliged and leapt into the black minivan, leaving the sliding door ajar to guide his impromptu chauffeur.
The officer can be heard shouting: “Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer.”
As the driver accelerated in the direction of the officer still pursuing the suspect on foot, the policeman continued to bark instructions, urging him to overtake both the fleeing man and his colleague.
The driver brought the vehicle to a sharp halt when ordered to stop, allowing the officer sufficient time to get ahead of and corner the fleeing suspect. The armed officer then leapt from the vehicle, trained his weapon on the suspect and made the arrest.
The driver, who has not been named, stood nearby watching the dramatic scene play out before him, before officers showed their appreciation with a firm handshake.
The van driver said: “I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating.”
Following the dramatic arrest, Kent Police’s Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay paid tribute to the unnamed man for his vital role in the operation.
“Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual,” Supt Lay said.
“The successful arrest may not have been possible without the member of the public and his vehicle.
“He should feel proud of his contribution to keeping his community safe, and we are truly grateful for his assistance.”
