Random driver helps Nottinghamshire officer chase down drug dealer
By: -----
Nottinghamshire, UK - Imagine seeing an out-of-breath police officer after he has dashed through bushes while you are driving along a road on your way to your destination - only for him to ask if he can jump into the back seat of your car to continue chasing a suspected drug dealer.
That is exactly what unfolded in Bestwood, Nottinghamshire, when a routine traffic stop turned into a dramatic car and woodland pursuit involving a police officer and members of the public.
Let's rewind to Friday, September 25, shortly before 4 p.m., when PC Ford was carrying out his duties and spotted a vehicle going through a red traffic light in front of his marked police car.
Naturally, he pulled the vehicle over. When he approached the driver, he noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from inside.
Cannabis for recreational use remains illegal in the United Kingdom, unlike in 24 U.S. states, so with that context in mind, when the officer tried to obtain the driver's details, the man suddenly fled.
PC Ford reacted by returning to his police vehicle to try and catch up. The suspect eventually abandoned his vehicle and ran toward woodland off Bestwood Road, leaving PC Ford with no choice but to continue the pursuit on foot.
The officer chased him through bushes and brambles, determined not to let him escape. Body-worn camera footage released by Nottinghamshire Police captures the dramatic pursuit and shows just how physically demanding the chase became.
"Am I all right to jump in?" PC Ford can be heard asking.
A passing motorist saw the officer emerge from the bushes and realized he was chasing someone. The driver stopped and allowed PC Ford into the back of the car, giving him a quicker way to continue the search.
Another member of the public became involved after seeing what was happening and helped the officer detain the suspect until additional police support could arrive.
Police later recovered a large black bag from the woodland, which contained a large quantity of cannabis.
The investigation continued beyond the chase, as officers searched a property in Bestwood and recovered thousands of pounds in cash.
A 22-year-old man was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident.
He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis, a Class B drug; driving without due care and attention; driving on a road other than a motorway; failing to comply with a red traffic light; and criminal damage.
He has since been released on bail while the investigation continues.