A dramatic high-speed chase culminated in the arrest of a dangerous drunk driver who had to be rammed by police at 100mph to protect other motorists. Gary Smith, 38, found himself behind bars after a reckless escapade on the roads of Esher in Surrey, which ended in a collision with a police vehicle.
The ordeal began just before midnight on Friday, December 1, when Surrey Police officers spotted Smith driving through Esher with false license plates. Despite police attempts to stop him, Smith accelerated down the A3 towards the M25 in his white Seat Leon, igniting a perilous pursuit.
As the pursuit unfolded, police units joined the chase, escalating the speeds to approximately 100mph, with one officer suggesting that Smith reached 110mph at one point, as captured in a video of the chase. Near Sunbury Cross Junction on the M3, Smith attempted to exit the motorway but collided with a police car. In response, the police car rammed Smith’s vehicle after he dangerously swerved across the motorway, endangering other drivers.
The intense collision caused Smith’s car to spin almost 360 degrees, with the sound of screeching tyres echoing as he lost control. Despite attempts to evade capture, Smith’s vehicle was rammed once more by the police, bringing it to a halt. Armed officers, equipped with Tasers, swiftly apprehended him.
Smith faced charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to provide a specimen for alcohol or drugs, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. Following his arrest, he appeared before Guildford Crown Court on Friday, January 26, where he was sentenced to six months in jail. Additionally, Smith received fines, a four-year driving disqualification, and must pass an extended test following the disqualification period.
PC Hayley Jenkins, the investigating officer, expressed grave concern over Smith’s blatant disregard for road safety and the law. She emphasized the fortunate outcome of the collision, given that only a police car was involved, operated by a specialist driver trained in collision control.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by drink-driving and reckless behaviour on the roads. Last December, Operation Limit, a national campaign against drunk and drug driving, resulted in 208 arrests and 5,000 vehicle checks, aimed at curbing this deadly menace on our roads.
As Smith begins his incarceration, authorities urge motorists to prioritize road safety and adhere to driving laws to prevent further tragedies on our highways.
