In a shocking turn of events, body-worn camera footage has captured the intense moment when police officers wrestled an armed burglar to the ground after he charged at them with a crowbar. This dramatic scene unfolded in the early hours of the morning at a Morrisons store in New Ash Green, Kent. The two men, identified as Callum Knox and Damian Smith, had targeted the supermarket, armed and masked, ready for a dangerous confrontation with law enforcement.
Police Arrive Just in Time to Stop the Burglars
At 1:40 a.m., an intruder alert was triggered at the Morrisons store, prompting officers to rush to the scene. By the time they arrived, a brave staff member had already confronted the armed criminals. Smith, the accomplice, quickly surrendered upon the officers’ arrival, dropping his crowbar and lying on the ground as a police Taser was aimed at him. However, Knox had other plans.
Knox Charges at Officers, but Is Quickly Overpowered
Instead of surrendering, Knox attempted to escape. With a crowbar raised above his head, he charged towards the exit where a police officer was positioned. In a heart-stopping moment, the officer managed to tackle Knox to the ground, engaging in a fierce struggle as Knox lunged for the officer’s Taser. It wasn’t until a second officer intervened that Knox was successfully restrained and arrested.
The Capture Leads to a Key Discovery and Convictions
Both men were eventually detained, and a key found on the floor led officers to their getaway car nearby. Knox, 38, from Southampton, and Smith, 44, from Southampton, were later found guilty of burglary. In addition to his burglary charge, Knox also admitted to two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.
On February 13, Knox was sentenced to two years and one month in prison at Canterbury Crown Court, while Smith, who had breached a previous suspended sentence, was jailed for two years and ten months.
Police Chief Praises Officers for Their Bravery and Commitment
Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield praised the officers for their bravery, noting that their professionalism ensured the burglars were disarmed and brought to justice. “Knox was determined to escape by any means, but was tackled to the ground by our responding officers,” he said. “This case highlights the real risks our officers face in confronting dangerous situations and emphasizes our commitment to protecting the public from prolific criminals who can severely impact our communities.”
This tense and dramatic arrest serves as a reminder of the dangers that law enforcement faces daily while working to keep communities safe from harm.