On 27 July last year, PC Gary Kendrew, PC Harry Taylor, PC Zach Meadows, and dog handler PC Chris Grady were on active patrol in Scunthorpe town centre when PC Meadows noticed a man acting suspiciously.
PC Meadows then informed his colleagues that he was going to confront the man because he suspected he would attempt to flee by entering a nearby property.
PC Meadows began his pursuit as the man took off. By activating his body-worn camera, he provided his colleagues with real-time information about where he was and what was going on.
The suspect then came to a halt, reached into his bag, and pulled out a handheld firearm, which he allegedly pointed at PC Meadows before firing.
All the officer could do was raise his hands in a desperate attempt to protect himself, but the bullet miraculously missed him.
PC Meadows bravely decided to continue the pursuit, unsure whether the man would be willing to fire the gun at him again.
PC Grady and his police dog arrived on the scene a few moments later, and PC Meadows directed the dog handler to where the man appeared to be heading.
PC Grady and his partner PD Xander pursued the man until he burst into a neighbouring garden and climbed onto a single-story roof. When he saw other officers climbing up onto the roof to join him, he squeezed into the property through an open window.
PCs Taylor, Kendrew, and Grady surrounded the front exit after realising he was attempting to avoid arrest by going through the building and out the front door.
The officers noticed children’s toys in the property and realised they couldn’t risk the armed man causing a hostage situation or harming anyone who might have been inside.
They decided to enter the property, where they tracked down the man, subdued him, and arrested him, not knowing whether he was still armed or prepared to use the gun against them.
Later, the man pleaded guilty to having a firearm and ammunition with the intent to endanger life.
According to Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims, the officers effectively put their own safety on hold in order to get the dangerous gunman off the streets.
“The man had already demonstrated that he was not afraid to fire a gun at a police officer, so it is to their enormous credit that they proactively continued the pursuit without knowing whether he would do so again,” he said.
“They displayed incredible bravery and were adamant that this individual not harm their colleagues or innocent members of the public.” They made certain that this dangerous individual was removed from our streets.” We are extremely proud of Gary, Harry, Zach, and Chris – not to mention PD Xander – and believe they are all deserving nominees for a National Police Bravery Award.”
The National Police Bravery Awards recognise officers from across England and Wales who have displayed exceptional bravery while on or off duty.
PCs Kendrew, Taylor, Meadows, and Grady will attend a reception and an evening awards ceremony in London in July as nominees, along with colleagues from across the country.
