In a tense and dramatic moment, body-worn camera footage reveals the shocking scene as a police officer wrestles an armed burglar to the ground after he charged at officers with a crowbar.
The incident occurred when Callum Knox, 38, and his accomplice Damian Smith, 44, both from Southampton, attempted to rob a Morrisons store in New Ash Green, Kent.
The Burglary and Police Response
At around 1:40 am, a security alarm triggered at the Morrisons supermarket, prompting a rapid response from the police.
When officers arrived, they found a member of staff already confronting the two men.
Smith quickly complied with police orders, dropping his crowbar and lying on the ground as a police Taser was aimed at him. However, Knox wasn’t ready to surrender.
In an attempt to escape, he charged toward the exit with a crowbar raised over his head, charging directly at one of the officers.
The Tense Struggle and Arrest
In a high-stakes struggle, the officer blocking the exit fought to bring Knox to the ground.
Despite Knox’s efforts to grab for the officer’s Taser, another police officer quickly intervened, managing to restrain and cuff him.
Both Knox and Smith were eventually arrested, and a key found at the scene led officers to the getaway car nearby.
Court Sentencing and Public Safety Impact
Both burglars later pleaded guilty to burglary charges.
In addition, Knox admitted to two counts of assaulting emergency workers during the incident.
On February 13, Knox was sentenced to two years and one month in prison, while Smith, who had violated a previous suspended sentence, was sentenced to two years and ten months.
Chief Inspector Mark Stubberfield praised the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved, highlighting the risks they face while protecting the public from dangerous criminals.
He noted that this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers police officers face when dealing with dangerous individuals and the broader impact of career criminals on communities and businesses.