Hero Cop Takes Down Armed Drunk in Dorchester Standoff
On March 6, 2019, Dorset Police spotted a drunk man causing trouble on the streets of Dorchester. The man was clearly wasted and wandering with a mate. Officers PC Natalie Skinner and PC Anthony Elswood quickly responded, with PC Mark Powell arriving moments earlier. The two men bolted when they saw the cops.
Dangerous Chase Ends in Taser Showdown
PC Skinner jumped out of her police car and went after the man she knew well – he’d been arrested before for assault and drugs. She shouted, “It’s the police, stop where you are,” but he kept running. After a short foot chase, the man tripped and fell. When he scrambled up, Skinner spotted him pulling a weapon with a large black handle from his jacket. She assumed it was a combat knife and drew her Taser.
The man lunged at her with a stun gun, metal prongs inches from her head. She fired her Taser but it missed. Regathering, she fired again – this time hitting her target. The man collapsed unconscious.
Arrest Secures Streets from Threat
PC Skinner arrested the thug on charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and drugs with intent to supply. Officers also caught his fleeing mate, who was charged with assault and drug possession. Several tablets were found at the scene.
“Natalie apprehended this dangerous man, even though she knew he had some kind of weapon,” said Dorset Police Federation Chair James Dimmack.
“It took incredible bravery to pursue him and then grab him while he was armed. She fully deserves this award nomination, and I thank her for removing this man from our streets and ensuring public safety.”
Nominee for National Police Bravery Awards
PC Skinner’s gutsy actions have earned her a nomination for the National Police Bravery Awards, which honour officers across England and Wales for exceptional courage both on and off duty. She will attend the awards ceremony in London this July, recognised for her fearless stand against a violent offender.
