Chatham High Street Locked Down After Standoff with Stolen-Car Suspect
Tony Atherton, 35, caused chaos in Chatham High Street, forcing an eight-hour lockdown after a dramatic police standoff.
Armed Suspect Refuses to Surrender
The no-fixed-abode man swigged from a bottle of cider and argued with police negotiators. He refused to come down after storming a building following a breakneck escape in a stolen car earlier that day.
Arrest and Court Appearance
Atherton finally surrendered just after 12:40am on Friday and was taken to hospital before being arrested. He faced Medway Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, pleading guilty to all charges.
Charges Include Dangerous Driving and Theft
- Dangerous driving
- Vehicle theft
- Possession of an offensive weapon
- Three counts of theft
- Driving without insurance
Atherton has been remanded in custody and will appear at Maidstone Crown Court at a later date.
