High-Speed Chase Ends with Stinger Stop in Tonbridge
A daring police chase in Tonbridge came to a dramatic halt after officers used a stinger device to deflate the tyres of a speeding Audi. The driver is accused of deliberately trying to ram a police car during the pursuit.
90mph Audi Fails to Stop, Flies Through Residential Streets
The drama kicked off around 10:50pm on Sunday, February 12, 2023, when police spotted a black Audi tearing through East Peckham at dangerous speeds. An unmarked patrol car gave chase, flashing blue lights and sounding sirens, but the Audi refused to stop.
The vehicle reportedly raced through residential areas at over 90mph, even mounting the wrong side of the road. Officers claim the driver tried to reverse into the police car in a desperate bid to escape. A police helicopter joined the hunt as the chase stretched towards Hadlow Road.
Driver Flees, Assaults Officer, and Faces Multiple Charges
The stinger device finally brought the car to a stop at 11:35pm in Quincewood Gardens, Tonbridge. The driver then fled on foot and is accused of assaulting a police officer before being caught in a nearby field.
19-year-old Akeem Thorla-Bangura, from Headcorn Road, Staplehurst, was arrested and charged with:
- Dangerous driving
- Assaulting an emergency worker
- Failing to stop for police
- Driving without insurance or a licence
- Cocaine possession
- Criminal damage
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 14th.
