Hero Cop Saves Man Pouring Petrol Over Himself on Isle of Wight
On 29 September 2021, PC Jamie Lewis faced a life-or-death moment while searching for a high-risk missing man on the Isle of Wight.
Drama Unfolds in Ventnor
Using phone ping data, PC Lewis and his team pinpointed the man’s location in Ventnor. Lewis found the man inside his car, having stabbed himself in the neck. Shockingly, the distraught man poured petrol over himself while still sitting in the vehicle.
Brave Cop’s Quick Thinking Prevents Disaster
PC Lewis carefully approached, chatting calmly to the man while inching closer to the driver’s seat. When the man tried to stab himself again, Lewis grabbed his hand and forced the knife away. The officers then detained the man under the Mental Health Act to keep him safe.
“The bloke needed help, he was in turmoil. We were concerned when he started pouring petrol over himself. It wasn’t an overly built-up area, but there were quite a few cars around and his car would have exploded,” said PC Lewis.
“It’s nice to be recognised for what we did that day.”
Police Praise PC Lewis’s Courage
Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield said: “Jamie’s calm actions and quick thinking saved this vulnerable man from further injuring himself. There was a real risk that he would set himself on fire, and it took enormous courage for Jamie to approach him and grab his weapon. I commend Jamie on his selfless actions. We are very proud of him.”
