New Police Pup Skye Sniffs Out Crooks in Dramatic Chases
Skye’s Rapid Rise to Police Stardom
Meet PD Skye, the two-year-old German Shepherd who’s already making waves in Surrey and Sussex Police. Gifted to the force last year, Skye teamed up with PC Ben Barnatt in December 2019 and smashed through training by March 2020. Since then, she’s helped nab suspects involved in dangerous driving, firearms offences, and more.
Late-Night Chase Leads To Three Teen Arrests
On 21 October at 11.05pm, officers chased a grey Chevrolet Kalos acting suspiciously in Ticehurst. The car sped towards Flimwell before the occupants fled into thick bushes. Skye was unleashed and quickly found three teens hiding in thorny undergrowth.
- Two boys, aged 14 and 16, from Wadhurst
- A 17-year-old girl from Cranbrook, Kent
All were arrested on suspicion of stealing the vehicle, later confirmed reported stolen. They’re now released under investigation.
High-Speed Ford Crash and Suspect Sniff-Out
Just a few days later, at 2.10am on 24 October, a silver Ford Mondeo was seen recklessly tearing through St Leonards. The car sped onto the pedestrian zone of Decimus Burton Way, smashing into a lamppost and two cars at Maze Hill before being abandoned at Quarry Hill.
Officers spotted a suspect nearby. Meanwhile, Skye tracked from the crash site, leading her handler directly to the man, proving her nose doesn’t miss a trick.
Darren Kelly Bailed on Multiple Charges
Darren Kelly, 42, from Kenilworth Road, St Leonards, was arrested for a spree of offences:
- Drink-driving
- Failing to stop for police
- Leaving the scene of a crash
- Driving while disqualified
- No insurance
Kelly is out on conditional bail and set to face Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 3 February.
Handler Praises Skye’s Growing Confidence
“What has been nice is seeing PD Skye’s confidence grow with every incident we attend,” said PC Barnatt. “She’s proving to be an invaluable asset to Surrey and Sussex Police.”
