Man Caught After 130mph Motorway Madness and Gun Scare
Rooney Whyte, 42, hit terrifying speeds of up to 130mph on the M26 and M25 during a desperate police chase earlier this year. The wild ride ended when he was caught and arrested in a field, thanks to the National Police Air Service (NPAS) tracking his every move.
High-Speed Pursuit Turns Dangerous
It all kicked off on Tuesday 25 January 2022, when an Audi Q5 grabbed officers’ attention on the M20. The Roads Policing Unit gave chase along the M26, but things went mental once they hit the M25 near Clacket Lane Services. Whyte slammed the accelerator, weaving through lanes and smashing 130mph, even using the hard shoulder to speed past other cars.
NPAS swooped in to monitor the chase from above. Whyte then exited at Junction 11, switching to the A230, where he risked lives by overtaking into oncoming traffic.
Foot Chase Ends With Handgun Discovery
The madness ended in a quiet cul-de-sac in Ottershaw, Surrey. Whyte bailed out of the car and bolted into wooded areas, hurdling fences to try and shake off officers.
He was swiftly caught, but not before he flung a handgun into some brambles. He later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, failing to stop, and possession of a firearm.
Jail Time and Driving Ban for Whyte
On Thursday 27 October 2022 at Maidstone Crown Court, Whyte, from Stratford East, was slammed with a hefty five years and four months behind bars. He also faces a 47-month driving ban.
“Members of the public had to take evasive action to avoid a collision due to the manner of Whyte’s driving,” said Detective Constable Steven Brown. “He put himself and other road users at risk and that is not acceptable.”
“There is no good reason for any member of the public to possess a handgun and ammunition — only organised criminals with no aversion to serious violence would have such weapons. I’m pleased this has now been taken off our streets.”
“We will never tolerate offending like this. Whyte’s substantial prison sentence is well-deserved.”
