Extraordinary bodycam footage captures the moment a van driver in Thanet, Kent, pulled over to help an armed police officer chase down a wanted man. The officer, sprinting after a suspect who had fled on foot, shouted at the driver to stop. The driver responded by opening his side door and yelling, "Get in the back!"
Chase and Arrest
The incident began when Kent Police responded to reports of a serious assault. The suspect evaded officers and ran towards Tivoli Road. One armed officer, unable to keep up on foot, flagged down a passing black van. The driver immediately stopped, and the officer jumped into the back of the van, urging, "Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer."
The driver sped off, following the officer's directions, and soon pulled up ahead of the suspect. The armed officer then jumped from the van, drew his weapon, and detained the suspect. The driver, who has chosen to remain unnamed, watched the arrest unfold and later received a grateful handshake from the officers.
Driver's Reaction
After the arrest, the driver said, "I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating." Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay praised the driver's actions, stating, "A violent offender who was being relentlessly pursued, and was seeking to evade capture, came close to losing patrols in a nearby park. However, our armed officers remained committed. Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual."
Lay added, "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."
