Police in England used one of their vehicles to ram a Land Rover allegedly driven by a 15-year-old boy. Officers said the SUV was weaving through traffic and had even been driving head-on toward police before they brought it to a stop.
The pursuit happened earlier in August in Adwick, an area of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. Police were alerted to the Land Rover while conducting an operation focused on vehicle-enabled crime.
Officers said the Land Rover’s occupants were wearing balaclavas, also known as ski masks, and the driver refused to stop. The vehicle reached 67 mph in a 40-mph zone before police used what the department calls tactical contact to end the chase.
South Yorkshire Police released footage of the pursuit on Aug. 17. The department also confirmed that the teenage driver had been arrested and later released on bail while the investigation continues.
A Police Vehicle Struck the Side of the Land Rover
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The footage shows a police vehicle catching up with the Land Rover and making contact with its side. The SUV moves toward the curb and comes to a stop. An officer riding a motorcycle then moves in front of the Land Rover and blocks its path. Officers approach the vehicle and take the driver into custody.
South Yorkshire Police described the maneuver as tactical contact. The department said officers only use the technique when they believe it is necessary to prevent serious harm.
The Land Rover Reached 67 Mph
Police said the Land Rover reached 67 mph in a 40-mph zone and 50 mph in an area with a 30-mph limit. The driver allegedly pulled out in front of other vehicles at junctions and wove through traffic. Police also accused him of driving head-on toward officers during the pursuit.
Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team Sergeant James Shirley said the way the Land Rover was being driven created an immediate danger to the public. No one was injured during the incident. A Hits Radio report also reported the speeds involved and the teenager’s arrest.
Police Reportedly Found a Bladed Article in the Vehicle
Police searched the Land Rover after stopping it and reported finding a bladed article in the boot, commonly called the trunk in the United States. The 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance or a license, and possessing an offensive weapon.
South Yorkshire Police did not identify the teenager because of his age. The department said he was released on bail pending further inquiries.