Armed police help detain suspect after vehicle rams patrol car in Hartlepool before driving the wrong way along the A689
Armed police helped detain a suspect after a vehicle rammed a patrol car before driving the wrong way along a dual carriageway.
Officers accept that the Hartlepool incident “would have been extremely frightening for any motorists who encountered it”.
Cleveland Police said in a statement: “The reported incident happened around 1:45am on Sunday, 8th November, in the Galsworthy Road area.
“Officers initially pursued the vehicle, however, during the incident the Citroen C3 allegedly travelled the wrong way along the A689, went off-road, and also drove head-on towards members of the public on a dual carriageway.
“Officers in a marked, armed response vehicle managed to pre-empt this action and slowed the traffic to protect the public.
“Officers safely concluded the pursuit when tactical contact was made with the vehicle.”
Superintendent Emily Harrison, of Cleveland Police, said afterwards: “We recognise that this incident would have been extremely frightening for any motorists who encountered it and we want to reassure the public that swift and decisive action was taken by officers to bring the incident to a safe conclusion and to secure an arrest, ensuring no ongoing risk to the community.”
Rhys Robinson, 20, of Kipling Road, in Hartlepool, has been charged with dangerous driving, driving whilst disqualified, no insurance and possession of a knife/bladed article in a public place.
He was remanded in custody at Teesside Magistrates’ Court until he appears before a judge at Teesside Crown Court in December.
Anyone who may have information or footage that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting incident reference 223595, or submit footage directly online at: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/cleveland/appeal/appeal-after-police-pursue-vehicle-in-Hartlepool