Armed drug dealer jailed after terrifying police ram attempt in Basingstoke
David Afolabi, 28, of Gibbon Road, London, has been locked up for 12 and a half years after trying to smash into a police car during a high-speed chase in Basingstoke. The armed dealer was caught red-handed carrying a firearm, ammo, and a stash of Class A and B drugs when officers pulled him over in September.
Police chase ends in crash and foot pursuit
Officers spotted Afolabi driving his BMW 1 Series along Park Prewitt Road just after 1pm. When they signalled him to stop, he slammed the accelerator instead. In a desperate move, he reversed at the police car, attempting to ram it — but failed.
Within minutes, Afolabi crashed into a white Ford Fiesta on Aldermaston Road before fleeing on foot. Despite jumping fences in a bid to escape, officers quickly caught and arrested him.
Loaded gun and drugs found at the scene
Police recovered a viable firearm from the scene loaded with three rounds of ammunition. Afolabi admitted to possession of a firearm and intent to supply Class A heroin, cocaine, and Class B cannabis. He was also charged with dangerous driving linked to this incident.
Second dangerous police pursuit lands him behind bars
The court heard Afolabi was involved in a second incident on December 30 in Worting Road, Basingstoke. Driving a Vauxhall Insignia, he again refused to stop for police before crashing into a Vauxhall Corsa and fleeing on foot. He was caught and charged with dangerous driving, possession of a knife in public, drug supply offences, and handling criminal property.
Police hail verdict as a win for community safety
DC Drew Wright said, “I hope this sentencing reassures residents in Basingstoke that a dangerous driver and drug dealer has been taken off our streets. Afolabi didn’t care whose lives he put at risk; he only cared about himself and escaping justice.”
“Thanks to the officers who spotted his car and pursued him relentlessly, a live firearm is no longer on our streets.”
“His reckless speed through residential streets and hospital areas endangered countless motorists and pedestrians. It’s sheer luck no one was seriously hurt.”
Afolabi pleaded guilty to ten charges at Winchester Crown Court and faces 12 and a half years behind bars.
