Kai Austen used a Range Rover to ram a police vehicle and damage two others during a failed escape attempt, which also saw him almost collide with a member of public. Austen had been wanted in connection with several drugs supply offences, after his DNA was matched to packages of cannabis and cocaine seized in Tunbridge Wells. He was initially arrested on 14 September 2021, when a phone was also seized which showed further evidence of his criminal network.
The 19-year-old was bailed as officers sought to build a successful case, however he went on to breach bail conditions related to a separate investigation and efforts to find and arrest him again were intensified. On 8 December, information linked him to an area in Hastings Road, Flimwell, Sussex where a Range Rover was parked. Austen was at the wheel and when he saw the attending patrols he attempted to flee, causing damage to three police cars.
