Rookie Cop’s Heroic Act on M3 Lands Bravery Award Nomination
PC Jordan Janaway, just months into her police career, has been nominated for a prestigious bravery award after a daring off-duty rescue on the M3 motorway.
Moments of Mayhem Near Winchester
It was just 4pm on 14 November 2020 when PC Janaway was driving to work near Winchester. She spotted a vehicle dangerously parked in the hatched area by the slip road. A frantic man waved her down, while another lay injured in the live lane—right in her path. She slammed on the brakes to avoid a horrific crash.
After pulling over to safety, Janaway jumped out to help the stranded driver. The driver revealed he’d hit the injured man, who was bleeding from a head wound but conscious. They dragged him to the hard shoulder just in time.
Violence and Chaos Unfold
A passing motorist revealed the injured man had recently attacked him with a hammer and been involved in fights moments earlier. PC Janaway spotted the hammer abandoned in lane two of the motorway.
The injured man tried to stand and dart back into traffic. Janaway and a member of the public restrained him to prevent disaster. The man then attempted to pull Janaway down, trying to sexually assault her. She fought back fiercely, keeping him under control until backup arrived to cuff him.
Bravery Recognised at National Level
It later emerged the violent man had attacked his own father with the hammer before his rampage on the motorway, clearly suffering a severe mental health crisis.
Hampshire Police Federation Chair Zoë Wakefield praised Janaway’s courage: “Jordan showed immense bravery and integrity by stopping to assist while off-duty, at great risk. She had no protective gear and was only months into service. She quite likely saved this man’s life by pulling him from traffic and restraining him despite his size and aggression. We are incredibly proud.”
PC Janaway is now a nominee for the National Police Bravery Awards, honouring officers who risk it all on or off duty. She will attend the glittering awards ceremony in London this July.
