Drug-Driver Brought Down by Hero Police Dog in Chichester
A sharp police dog has helped officers track down a drug-driver who ditched his car and tried to make a run for it in Chichester.
Speedy Getaway Ends in Foot Chase
Eduart Ruci panicked when he spotted a marked Roads Policing Unit (RPU) car in St Pancras on April 1. He sped off, but abandoned his vehicle in Tozer Way just after 11.30pm before fleeing on foot.
Enter PD Billy, the German Shepherd with a nose for trouble. Billy tracked Ruci down to a nearby street and held him until PC Steve Bucksey could make the arrest.
Denials Don’t Save Him from Drug Driving Charge
At first, Ruci claimed he’d been “at the pub,” then changed his story to say he was just a passenger. But a roadside DrugWipe test told a different story — he tested positive for cocaine.
Officers confirmed Ruci was the registered keeper and insured driver of the abandoned vehicle. A blood sample later revealed 337 microgrammes of cocaine per litre of blood — almost seven times the legal limit of 50mcg.
Three-Year Ban and Heavy Fine
The builder from Whiston Road, Hackney, pleaded guilty to drug driving at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on October 18. He was banned from the roads for three years and hit with a £700 fine, plus a £70 victim surcharge and £85 court costs.
PC Bucksey said: “Drug-driving causes many deaths and injuries on our roads every year. We’re determined to catch offenders and get them off the streets.
“With the help of trusty PD Billy, we’ll take down intoxicated drivers wherever we find them. Ruci risked his life and the lives of others in Chichester that night. We’re glad he’s now been disqualified.”
Spot Bad Driving? Report It!
Witness bad driving? Report it by phone, email, or through the Operation Crackdown website. Providing a full registration number helps the police target offenders more quickly.
“We can’t be everywhere,” said police, “but with your help, we could be anywhere.”
