A Newark officer dived into the River Trent to save a suspect from drowning.
PC John Chappell was out on patrol when he recognised someone walking across Northgate Retail Park.
Believing the man to be a suspect in a shop robbery, PC Chappell stopped his car and took after him on foot.
The suspect was then seen to head along a towpath down towards the River Trent, around 4.40pm on Thursday (17 July).
After briefly losing sight of the man, PC Chappell was informed by another officer that someone had just jumped into the river.
PC Chappell made his way down to the riverbank seconds later and quickly confirmed the man he’d been chasing was in the water.
When the man – who was neck deep in the river by this point – started shouting for help and said he couldn’t swim, PC Chappell acted.
Realising the suspect was at risk of drowning, the officer waded into the water and grabbed him as his head started to sink below the surface.
While supporting the man’s weight, PC Chappell swam back towards the water’s edge and to a waiting life ring, so he could be lifted to safety.
Supported by colleagues PC Bryn Hope and PCSO Stuart Hicks, PC Chappell joined the man on dry land a few minutes later, where they were both treated.
After being given the all-clear, the 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two shop thefts and a robbery.
The latter offence happened at a Newark shop on 30 June and resulted in a staff member being thrown to the floor and injuring her wrist.
Speaking about the river rescue, PC Chappell said:
“He was shouting ‘help, I can’t swim’, so I realised he was drowning and unable to help himself.
“As his head was disappearing under the water, I knew time was critical and if nothing was done, the man was going to drown.
“I was conscious I was putting myself at risk but decided I was going into the water as I was confident that I’d be able to swim out to him.
“At the end of the day though, I was just doing my job and I’ve no doubt the rest of my team would’ve all done the exact same thing if they saw a person in distress.
“On that note, I’d like to thank PC Bryn Hope and PCSO Stuart Hicks, who both acted quickly to locate a life ring, throw it in the water, and help ensure additional resources were sent in the right location.
“Without their assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to get the man out of the water.”
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, district commander for Newark and Sherwood, added:
“John deserves enormous credit for the tenacity and bravery he showed in firstly saving and then arresting this suspect.
“After initially spotting a person while out on patrol who he believed was a suspect in a crime, he immediately gave chase, before taking further action when he saw the same person struggling in the water.
“With the support of Bryn and Stuart – who both acquitted themselves well during this incident too – John showcased immense calmness and professionalism to get the man out of the river to safety.
“Their actions perfectly exemplified what I’d want from my officers and we’re all very proud of all three of them and grateful for the role they play day-to-day keeping people in Newark safe.”
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