Police Constable Andrew Cushing of the Metropolitan Police has been recognized as the London region winner in the prestigious National Police Federation Bravery Awards. PC Cushing’s courageous actions in apprehending a man who pointed a gun directly at him earned him this esteemed honour.
Among the nominees from the Met Police were PC Adam Elwood and Police Dog Cruz, who fearlessly pursued and arrested a dangerous group of individuals, despite one of them brandishing a firearm. PC Gareth Griffin, another nominee, demonstrated exceptional composure while identifying and apprehending a robbery suspect, even in the midst of a growing crowd.
Expressing his pride, PC Cushing, who serves in the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection, stated, “It’s a proud moment in my career, made all the more special by it being my last year as a serving Metropolitan Police officer before I retire. Each and every police officer around the country deserves recognition for the work they do keeping the public safe, as they never know what’s around the corner – as shown by this incident.
The incident unfolded on February 4, 2022, around 7:30 a.m., when PC Cushing was conducting a routine patrol on his police motorbike near Regent’s Park. He noticed a vehicle driving erratically and attempted to pull it over, but the driver fled at high speed.
Determined to apprehend the suspect, PC Cushing pursued the vehicle on his motorbike. However, when the vehicle started driving on the wrong side of the road, endangering the public, the officer had to terminate the pursuit.
Shortly afterwards, the vehicle was found abandoned after colliding with an object. As PC Cushing approached, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. PC Cushing followed the suspect into Mornington Crescent in Camden and attempted to arrest him. In the ensuing struggle, the man suddenly produced a gun and pointed it directly at the officer.
Despite being alone and facing an armed individual, PC Cushing remained remarkably composed. Seizing a split-second opportunity, he disarmed the suspect and successfully subdued him, ensuring the safety of both himself and the public. The suspect was subsequently arrested.
Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley expressed his delight at PC Cushing’s well-deserved recognition, stating, “This shocking incident began as a routine vehicle stop and highlights the unpredictable nature of policing. I congratulate PC Cushing and the other Met officers who were nominated for their professionalism and bravery.”
Commander Simon Messinger commended PC Cushing’s unwavering determination and quick thinking in pursuing a reckless driver, ultimately finding himself facing a life-threatening situation. Messinger added, “PC Cushing acted with the utmost calm and clarity of thought, seizing a split-second opportunity to disarm the man so he could be arrested, and the public be kept safe.”
PC Cushing’s bravery serves as a testament to the courage exhibited by police officers who selflessly risk their lives to protect the communities they serve.
