Armed Man Held After Threatening Drivers with Rifle in Blidworth
Blidworth officers raced to Ricket Lane after reports of a man waving a rifle in public. They found 62-year-old Victor Staples armed and challenged him to drop the weapon. It took tense negotiations before he finally complied.
Two Drivers Threatened at Gunpoint
Staples had threatened two separate drivers around 6pm on 12 August 2020. He also kicked one of the vehicles, causing damage. Police arrived within minutes of the emergency call and arrested Staples at the scene.
Staples Sentenced to 13 Months Behind Bars
Pleading guilty to possession with intent to cause fear of violence and criminal damage, Staples was handed a 13-month prison sentence on Wednesday 24 March.
Detective Sergeant Jamie Moore said: “A report of someone with a weapon in public is treated as high alert. Firearms officers were instantly on scene and were able to talk to Staples calmly to persuade him to drop his weapon and reach a safe conclusion.”
“It would have been terrifying for the members of the public involved and as a force, we are working hard to put a stop to all firearms offences. If anyone has any information about people suspected of having a weapon of any form, please call us on 101.”
