An off-duty Dorset Police officer who wrestled a dangerous man armed with a live electric saw has been nominated for a prestigious National Police Bravery Award.
PC Demar Rowe was on his way to work on the morning of Wednesday, 9 August 2023, when he spotted a man behaving erratically in the middle of Golf Links Road, Ferndown — even attempting to lie down in front of traffic.
The man, agitated over a flat tyre, returned to his vehicle and pulled out an electric saw with a blade over a foot long, swinging it dangerously at PC Rowe and then attempting to harm himself.
Without any protective equipment or handcuffs, PC Rowe bravely intervened. Thinking quickly, he grabbed a decorating sheet from the man’s car, used it to distract him, and managed to wrestle the saw from his hands before restraining him in a bear hug.
PC Rowe, shouting that he was an off-duty officer, called for help as shocked passers-by watched. Another off-duty officer soon joined him, but Rowe continued to restrain the man for 20 gruelling minutes until backup arrived.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson praised PC Rowe’s “remarkable bravery,” adding:
“Demar put himself in harm’s way to safeguard not only the individual involved, but other members of the public. He is an inspiration and epitomises the very best of policing.
The man was detained and taken to hospital for appropriate care.
PC Rowe’s extraordinary courage will be honoured at the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 ceremony this July.
