Drug Dealer Rams Police Cars in Desperate Escape Bid
Kai Austen, 19, caused chaos by ramming a police vehicle and damaging two others during a botched getaway. The Tunbridge Wells drug dealer even nearly hit a member of the public in his reckless escape attempt.
Wanted for Drugs, Busted After Dangerous Chase
Austen was initially arrested in September 2021 after DNA linked him to packages of cannabis and cocaine seized in Tunbridge Wells. Police also found a phone exposing his wider drug network. Despite being bailed while cops built their case, he broke bail conditions in a separate probe, sparking a massive manhunt.
On 8 December, officers tracked him to Hastings Road, Flimwell, Sussex where he jumped into a Range Rover. Spotting patrol cars, he tried to flee — smashing into three police vehicles in the process.
One witness was forced to leap out of the way to avoid a serious accident. Police finally stopped Austen after smashing his car window with batons and disabling the engine.
Jailed for Drugs, Dangerous Driving, and Assault
At Maidstone Crown Court, Austen pleaded guilty to multiple charges: two counts of being involved in supplying cocaine and cannabis, four counts of possession with intent to supply, dangerous driving, three assaults on emergency workers, three counts of criminal damage, plus carrying a knife in public.
On 14 November 2022, he was locked up for three years and six months at a young offender institution.
Police Condemn Austen’s Reckless Actions
“Kai Austen ran a vast drugs distribution network across Tunbridge Wells,” said Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of the Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team. “He is dangerous, showing utter disregard for the safety of police officers he deliberately drove at. His reckless driving nearly caused serious injury to a member of the public.”
“We will continue to hunt down dealers like Austen, whose crimes cause suffering and fuel violence and antisocial behaviour in our communities.”
