This is the dramatic footage from a police officer’s body-worn camera as he chased down a suspected drug dealer with the help of members of the local community.
PC Ford knew the driver was acting suspiciously when he went through a red light directly in front of his marked police vehicle and demanded that the driver pull over.
When he could smell cannabis in the vehicle, he asked for the driver’s name.
The driver then drove off.
PC Ford jumped back into his police car and began to pursue the suspect at high-speed.
The suspect then abandoned the vehicle and ran into woodland in Bestwood Road.
PC Ford was not willing to give up the chase and decided to venture into the woodland after him, clambering through bushes and brambles to ensure he did not get away.
He also caught a brief lift with a passing driver who had witnessed the suspect’s direction of travel and decided to help PC Ford in his pursuit.
Another member of the public also helped detain the suspect when he saw that PC Ford was acting alone and may need some assistance.
The incident happened on Friday 25 September just before 4pm in the Bestwood area.
Officers also managed to locate a large black bag the suspect had discarded during the chase, which contained a large quantity of cannabis.
A search warrant was executed at the suspect’s property in Bestwood, where thousands of pounds of cash was recovered from the address.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled Class B drug (cannabis), driving without due care and attention, driving on a road other than a motorway and failing to comply with a red traffic light and criminal damage.
He has been released on bail with strict conditions while an investigation is conducted into the size and scale of this operation.
Sergeant Alex Piggott said:
“This was an outstanding piece of police work. PC Ford knew the driver was acting suspiciously when he went through a red light directly in front of PC Ford’s marked police vehicle and his senses were correct.
“Even after the suspect made a run for it, the officer continued to pursue him, hurting himself in the process as he clambered through woodland to ensure he was caught.
“We would like to take this moment to thank the members of the public who assisted PC Ford.
“The driver and his partner who pointed our officer in the direction of the suspect and even offered him a ride as well as the member of the public who helped us detain the suspect while other officers were on their way.
“For that, we are eternally grateful.
“Drugs are a complete blight on our communities and are linked to other serious offences such as knife crime and anti-social behaviour in our neighbourhoods.
“This is why we will always pursue those who think they can evade the law and try and get away with it. We look forward to progressing this investigation.”
