A 74-year-old police officer caught a 29-year old suspect who was trying to escape a driving offence after a dramatic chase through gardens.
Special Constable Keith Smith ran after the suspect, 45 years his junior, as he fled through gardens in Benfleet, Essex.
Essex Police praised their colleague’s dedication, writing on Twitter: “Despite being 74 years old he engaged in not only the pursuit but a foot chase detaining the suspect in the gardens of a nearby house.”
SC Smith tried to stop the suspect as he drove along the A12 in Essex, but the man ignored the officer’s signals and drove off at speed.
The police officer pursued him in a marked police car before the suspect left his vehicle and tried to escape on foot.
He was charged with driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop and harassment and is due to appear in court today.
On Wednesday, the special constable tweeted: “In court tomorrow, hopefully more than that.”
Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington described SC Smith as an “inspiration to us all”.
SC Smith, a Blues fan and motorcyclist, has been with the Essex Police for twenty years.
