West Midlands Police is appealing for witnesses after two neighbourhood officers were hurt trying to stop a drug deal – with one cop being dragged 300m in a car in a brave bid to detain the suspects.
The officers spotted suspicious activity around a silver Vauxhall Astra in Lichfield Road, Walsall, at 2.40 pm on Saturday (19 Oct) and moved in to speak to the occupants.
However, the car lurched backwards and knocked a female officer over with the car’s open door and, as her male colleague leaned inside to try and grab keys from the ignition, the car was driven off with the officer partially inside the vehicle.
He eventually jumped free from the Astra and escaped with minor injuries.
A 28-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of obstructing the police – but was later released with no further action – while a 37-year-old man detained on suspicion of assault.
He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone who may have any dashcam footage.
The car – a Vauxhall Astra registration SE07XLV – has not been recovered and anyone who may have seen it is urged to let the police know.
Superintendent Kim Madill, from Walsall police, said:
“This is a shocking incident which occurred when officers were just trying to do their job.
“Fortunately, I’m pleased to say their injuries aren’t serious, but it could have been much worse, and it’s completely unacceptable for our officers to be injured in the line of duty.
“I’d urge anyone who saw anything or anyone who has any information to get contact us as soon as they can.”
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk between 8 am and midnight or call 101 anytime.
Please quote crime reference number 20WS/247495H/19.
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