Appreciation
I recognised a vehicle which a known offender drove and I knew he was a disqualified driver. When I tried to stop him for a licence check, the guy drove off and into a gravel road, at speeds around 180 to 200 km/h. After a 10-kilometre pursuit, he stopped, got out and dived down a scrub-covered bank with a large object in his arms.
I told him to come up and said he was under arrest. As I tried to handcuff him he struggled, ripping the clothes off his back and running off. I chased after him and he looped back to his car.
He started to reverse and I dived in through the open front passenger window and told him to stop. He said, “What are you doing?” and continued driving while I hung half in the vehicle. I reached around and turned the ignition off and removed the keys.
He refused to get out so I used my OC spray. I got one handcuff on his right wrist, used the proven bottle top restraint and applied the other cuff. He got up and ran off a short distance before finally being restrained.
He had more than $15,000 in stolen musical equipment with him. The highlight was a very appreciative letter from the owner of the gear who thanked me for my dedication. This is why I do this job.