Drug Dealer Rams Police Cars in Dramatic Escape Bid
Kai Austen, 19, used a Range Rover to ram a police vehicle and smash two others during a desperate attempt to flee officers. The dangerous stunt almost saw him collide with a member of the public, who narrowly escaped serious injury.
Wanted on Multiple Drug Charges
Austen, from Tunbridge Wells, was linked to several drug supply offences after his DNA was matched to packages of cannabis and cocaine seized in the area. He was first arrested on 14 September 2021, when police also seized a phone revealing more evidence of his criminal network.
After being released on bail, Austen breached bail conditions tied to a separate case, prompting a renewed manhunt. On 8 December, officers tracked him to Hastings Road, Flimwell, Sussex, where he jumped into a Range Rover and tried to escape police patrols, causing damage to three police vehicles.
Restrictions Breached, Police Launch High-Stakes Pursuit
A witness described the terrifying scene, saying they had to dash out of the way to avoid being hit. Police eventually boxed Austen in, smashing the car window with batons and disabling the engine to bring him down.
Austen Jailed for Over Three Years
At Maidstone Crown Court, Austen pled guilty to two counts of drug supply, four more for possession with intent to supply, dangerous driving, three counts of assault on emergency workers, three counts of criminal damage, and possession of a knife in public.
He was sentenced on 14 November 2022 to three years and six months in a young offender institution.
Police Warn Against Drug-Related Crime
“Kai Austen ran an extensive drugs supply network in and beyond Tunbridge Wells. He’s a dangerous individual who showed utter disregard for police safety by deliberately driving at officers,” said Sergeant Ed Kavanagh of Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team.
“His reckless actions caused distress and nearly harmed a member of the public. We will continue to pursue drug dealers like him who bring violence and antisocial behaviour to our communities.”
