Northumbria Officer Borrows Bike to Pursue Fleeing Suspect
by Northumbria Police, January 6, 2023
A quick-thinking PC arrested a suspected dangerous driver who had fled on foot – after borrowing a bike from a kind passer-by. [��] [��]
Shortly after 11pm yesterday, we spotted a dark-coloured Skoda that was of interest travelling in the Whitley Bay area.
Officers instructed the vehicle to pull over, but instead the occupant hit the accelerator and made off, travelling at high speed.
We tracked the car’s movements before it soon came to a stop, and the occupant made off on foot. With the suspect having a head start, officers saw a member of the public nearby in possession of a bicycle – and asked if they could borrow it.
And within minutes, the officer on two wheels caught up with a 49-year-old suspect who was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. He remains in police custody at this time. [❌]
The bike was later gratefully returned to the member of the public.
A big thanks to the Good Samaritan who allowed us to use their bike. This was a fantastic example of the public working with us to help disrupt and detect crime.
It was fast-moving incident and the manner of the suspect's driving put other road users’ lives in endanger. It was totally unacceptable and our immediate priority was to bring the vehicle to a stop and detain who we believed was inside.
Thankfully, the officers showed superb skill and initiative not only during the pursuit itself, but also after a suspect had made off on foot.
An excellent outcome for all involved. [��]