Police have released dramatic dash-cam footage showing the moment traffic cops end a reckless driver’s rampage with a tactical shunt that pins his car against a tree.
Atif Ayub led the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG) officers through Birmingham on a six-minute pursuit on 17 January – but was left stunned as they stopped his spree in decisive fashion.
Our specially trained driver deliberately collided with the side of Ayub’s Seat Leon as he took a turn that would have seen him heading into on-coming traffic on Lawley Middleway.
It’s a controlled, approved tactical manoeuvre enabling us to bring reckless drivers to a stop if they pose a danger to other road users or pedestrians.
The 25-year-old was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving.
Ayub went on to admit that charge, plus driving without a licence or insurance, and at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday (29 March) was jailed for 12 months.
He’s also been disqualified from driving for four-and-a-half years and must pass an extended re-test if he wishes to get his licence back.
Sergeant Lee Froggatt from CMPG, said: “Officers have used their specialist training and tactics to bring a reckless driver to a safe stop and prevent other road users being harmed.
“When Ayub headed the wrong way into Lawley Middleway the risk level increased. But the officers quickly spotted the road was clear and took Ayub’s Leon out before he could pose a danger to anyone else.
“This is an excellent example of an appropriate and proportionate use of tactical contact to bring a pursuit of a dangerous driver to an end.”
Ayub, from Belchers Lane in Ward End, had made off from a patrol unit in Saltley before CMPG officers intercepted him in Fort Parkway at around 3.45pm on 17 January.
He raced away – reaching speeds in excess of 80mph – and jumped several red lights before police colleagues ‘stung’ his car and he was brought to a stop.
Ayub was found in possession of several car keys but it was unclear where they had come from and there was not enough evidence to charge him with car thefts.