Police Marksman Claims He Feared Officers’ Lives as Chris Kaba Was Shot Dead
Shots Fired in High-Speed Streatham Pursuit
A police marksman told the Old Bailey he feared “one or many” officers could be killed as Chris Kaba tried to escape during a fierce police chase in Streatham, south London.
Martyn Blake, who denies murder, shot the 24-year-old through the windscreen during a police stop in September 2022. The Audi Kaba was driving was connected to a prior firearms incident in Brixton.
Marksman’s Version of the Deadly Shooting
Blake, 40, described an “imminent threat” as Kaba’s car drove forward then reversed into police vehicles blocking his way. He shouted, “Armed police, show me your hands,” before opening fire.
“I genuinely believed either of us could be killed and moved out of the way,” Blake told the court.
He said Kaba showed a “propensity to use violence” and was desperate to escape “at any cost.” Blake decided to “incapacitate” Kaba with one shot to protect his colleagues. The moment Kaba was hit, he slumped, and the car stopped.
But prosecutor Tom Little QC said parts of Blake’s account were “exaggerated” and “false,” arguing the shooting was unjustified.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Tragedy
Police spotted Kaba’s Audi in Camberwell before six police vehicles joined the chase. An armed operations commander ordered a stop fearing Kaba might get away. Moments before, Kaba had told a friend he suspected police were tailing him.
As Kaba reversed into the police vehicles and tried to break free, Blake, positioned in front of the Audi, fired the fatal shot. Bodycam footage captured officers shouting “shots fired, shots fired” amid the chaos.
Fellow Firearms Officer Backs Blake’s Cool Head
Another firearms officer testified Blake was “calm and collected” with sound judgement, never showing anger on duty.
Blake was meant to be a tactical adviser in the operations room that night but swapped roles. The witness agreed the longer a suspect isn’t stopped, the higher the risk to officers.
Trial Ongoing After Kaba Dies in Hospital
Chris Kaba was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he died just after midnight on 6 September 2022. The trial against Martyn Blake continues at the Old Bailey.
