Armed Gunman Dodges Bullet in Scunthorpe Standoff
Last July, a routine patrol in Scunthorpe town centre nearly turned deadly when PC Zach Meadows came face-to-face with a man wielding a handgun. The suspect fired at PC Meadows but miraculously missed. Undeterred, the officer launched a tense chase through back gardens and rooftops, leading to a dramatic arrest.
Brave Officers Risk It All to Nab Dangerous Gunman
PC Meadows spotted the suspicious man and warned his team before giving chase. As the suspect stopped and brandished a firearm, he fired a shot at PC Meadows, who raised his hands in a desperate bid to protect himself. The bullet missed by inches.
Despite the danger, PC Meadows pressed on, unsure if the man would fire again. Dog handler PC Chris Grady and his police dog, PD Xander, soon joined the pursuit.
- The armed suspect climbed onto a roof and tried to escape through a neighbour’s property.
- PCs Harry Taylor, Gary Kendrew, and Grady surrounded the house, spotting children’s toys inside.
- Fearing a hostage situation, the officers entered the property and wrestled the man to the ground, arresting him amid uncertainty over whether he was still armed.
Gunman Pleads Guilty – Officers Nominated for Bravery Awards
The man later admitted to having a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Lee Sims, Chair of the Police Federation, hailed the officers as heroes for risking their safety to protect the public.
“The man had already shown he wouldn’t hesitate to fire at police. The officers’ decision to continue the pursuit took enormous courage,” Sims said. “They were determined to keep innocent people safe and make sure this dangerous individual was off our streets.”
PCs Kendrew, Taylor, Meadows, Grady, and PD Xander have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards. They will attend the awards ceremony this July, alongside other brave officers from across England and Wales.
