A 29-year-old drug dealer, Saqib Ali, has been convicted of wounding and serious assault after intentionally striking two police officers with his vehicle in Walsall last year. The incident, which left one officer with severe leg injuries requiring surgery, occurred on the morning of 24 February 2023. Ali, from Mere Road, Birmingham, was found guilty at Birmingham Crown Court this week and now faces a significant prison sentence.
The court heard that officers from Walsall Police spotted a parked Vauxhall Astra on Reservoir Place around 10:30 am. PC Bull approached the vehicle and found Ali appearing to be asleep at the wheel. Suspecting Ali was under the influence of drugs or alcohol due to his reddened eyes, PC Bull requested backup. PC Kidd exited the police van and positioned himself in front of the Astra.
As PC Bull attempted to handcuff Ali, the suspect suddenly put the car into gear, driving forward and trapping PC Kidd against the police van. PC Bull was also caught in the driver’s door, which was pinned against the van. Bodycam footage captured the harrowing moment, with officers shouting and pleading for Ali to stop. After approximately 30 seconds, Ali reversed the vehicle, freeing the officers, but then fled the scene.
Both officers were rushed to the hospital. PC Bull sustained tissue damage and bruising, while PC Kidd suffered serious leg injuries, necessitating surgery and ongoing rehabilitation. Ali was arrested the following day in Oldbury, where he was found in possession of a plastic bag containing crack cocaine. He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton of the Major Crime Unit praised the officers’ bravery and highlighted the importance of bodycam footage in securing the conviction. “This was a very distressing incident for all officers involved, with two left injured. The footage not only captured the shocking events but also proved vital as evidence in this case,” he said. “Ali was quickly apprehended, brought before the court, and now faces years behind bars.”
Ali is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. The case has underscored the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty and the critical role of technology in bringing offenders to justice.
