Police Officer Enlists Civilian in Pursuit of Fleeing Suspect
An officer commandeered a civilian's vehicle to apprehend a suspect who was already banned from driving.
A Taser-wielding police officer commandeered a Nissan Micra from a civilian to apprehend a fleeing suspect in South Wales. The incident occurred after police noticed a smell of drugs emanating from a van driven by Jacob Roberts, 25, in the village of Abercwmboi.
Roberts, who was already banned from driving, sped off when officers attempted to pull him over. His escape attempt involved crashing into parked cars and a building before he abandoned his van and fled on foot into a dead-end lane. A police officer pursuing Roberts then approached a civilian and asked for a lift to continue the chase.
Bodycam footage captured the moment the officer entered the civilian's Nissan Micra. The driver, responding to the officer's request, asked, "Where to?" The officer pointed forward and instructed her to "keep going" as they pursued Roberts. The officer then exited the car and used his Taser to apprehend Roberts.
During the pursuit, Roberts' van was observed traveling at speeds double the 20 mph limit through the village streets. After ramming a police car, Roberts ditched his vehicle and attempted to escape on foot.
At Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court, Roberts pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failure to stop after a road accident, criminal damage to property, and possession of cannabis. The court heard that Roberts had cannabis in his possession when he was stopped.
Judge Jeremy Jenkins stated that only custodial sentences were appropriate for Roberts' behavior, describing him as a "very serious accident waiting to happen." Roberts was sentenced to 14 months in jail and given a driving ban of three years and seven months.
PC Peter Kerswell of South Wales Police commented on the case, highlighting Roberts' disregard for other road users. "Roberts was already banned from driving when he committed these offences," Kerswell said. "He showed complete disregard for all other road users, including pedestrians. I hope it acts as a deterrent for others who think of driving dangerously." He added that it was fortunate no one was seriously injured during the pursuit and expressed hope that the sentence would prompt Roberts to reflect on his actions.