Driver Sentenced for High-Speed Police Attack in Tottenham
Aydin Altun, 26, from Tottenham, was found guilty on Monday at the Old Bailey of dangerous driving and assaulting a police officer during a terrifying incident in October 2019. He will be sentenced later this week, on Friday 16 October.
Police Officer Tossed on Car Bonnet During Pursuit
The Met’s Specialist Crime Command was investigating a shooting on Fairfax Road, Haringey, on 28 October 2019 when officers spotted a black Mercedes matching a witness’s description the next day. Armed officers followed the vehicle as it turned into White Hart Lane.
When the car stopped, an officer shouted, “Armed police, show me your hands.” Instead of complying, Altun floored the accelerator, launching the officer onto the bonnet. The officer clung on as the car zig-zagged wildly, attempting to shake him off.
After several terrifying seconds, the officer was thrown off and somersaulted safely onto the pavement, avoiding street furniture. Altun sped off and abandoned the Mercedes a short time later on Tiverton Road, leaving behind the officer’s mobile phone wedged under the bonnet.
Officer Recounts Terrifying Ordeal
The officer sustained cuts and grazes to his head, elbow, knuckles, and hand. He was hospitalised but later discharged.
“I remember being scared for my life, I thought I was going to die. I remember thinking if this car was going to crash, I was going to die,” the officer told the court.
Family Cleared as Altun Faces Justice
Altun’s mother Sultan, 54, and sister Hanim, 24, both from Tottenham, were cleared of perverting the course of justice. Altun himself was found not guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life.
He was arrested on 30 October 2019 after walking into Edmonton police station. Four others arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender were later released without charge.
Police Chief Praises Conviction Amid Rising Dangers
Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “We’re just weeks on from the awful killing of Sgt Matt Ratana, I’m pleased that a dangerous criminal who drove at an officer and put his life in danger has been convicted.”
She added: “Thankfully such incidents are rare but being an officer in London can be tough and officers can face danger every day. We do not tolerate any violence towards our officers and we relentlessly pursue anyone assaulting them to bring them to justice.”
The conviction sends a strong message: London’s police will keep fighting violent crime and protecting the public, no matter the risk.
