A police officer ended a park chase with a dramatic rugby tackle to apprehend a suspected drug dealer. The incident occurred on February 16 in Albert Park, Middlesbrough.
Authorities said a police drone observed Junior Lavin, 19, engaged in a drug sale around 2 p.m. Lavin was seen with an electric motorbike and several packages, with two individuals around him.
When officers intervened, Lavin attempted to flee, losing a shoe in the process. He was pursued across the park by an officer on a bicycle. The officer dismounted and tackled Lavin, bringing him to the ground near a bush.
Officers recovered 30 wraps of crack cocaine from Lavin. A search of an associated address yielded a second electric bike.
Lavin was later convicted of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, possession of criminal property, and driving without a license or insurance. On Monday, he received a two-year suspended sentence at Teesside Crown Court.
Sergeant John Sproson of Cleveland Police stated that the force will utilize all available tools to combat class A drugs in Middlesbrough, including drones and other tactics, to remove drugs from the streets and seize illegal bikes used by dealers.