Police Officers Tackle Armed Burglars in Kent as Callum Knox and Damian Smith Attempt to Escape from Morrisons Store

In a shocking turn of events, body-worn camera footage captured the tense moment when police officers were forced to wrestle an armed burglar to the ground after he charged at them with a crowbar.

Callum Knox and Damian Smith, both wearing balaclavas and armed with crowbars, targeted a Morrisons store in New Ash Green, Kent, in the early hours of the morning.

Early Morning Robbery and Swift Police Response

The police were called to the supermarket at 1:40 am after an intruder alarm was triggered.

A staff member had been confronting the pair when the officers arrived and rushed inside.

While Smith surrendered almost immediately, dropping his crowbar as the red laser sights of a Taser shone on his face, Knox had other plans.

He attempted to make a run for it, charging toward an officer blocking the exit, crowbar raised above his head.

Officer’s Quick Thinking and Courage

In a tense struggle, the officer managing to block the escape path successfully wrestled Knox to the ground.

However, Knox fought back, attempting to grab the officer’s Taser.

After a brief tussle, a second officer joined in to help restrain him.

Both burglars were ultimately detained, and a key found on the floor led police to their getaway car nearby.

Sentencing and Justice Served

The two men, Knox (38) and Smith (44), both from Southampton, later pleaded guilty to burglary charges.

Knox also admitted to two counts of assaulting emergency workers.

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.

A Reminder of Police Officers’ Courage and Risks

Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield praised the officers for their bravery, noting that Knox was determined to escape.

He highlighted that their professionalism and determination to protect the public ensured both men were caught.

He also emphasized that incidents like this underscore the real dangers law enforcement officers face and the crucial role they play in keeping communities safe from career criminals like Knox and Smith.