This is the heart-in-the-mouth moment a police officer chased down a fleeing drug dealer using a bicycle they borrowed from a member of the public.
PC Lewis Marks’ bodycam captured the thrilling chase through Northampton on August 23 as he rode down crook Sean Christopher Prosser, 28, who was reported for suspected drug dealing.
Prosser made off on a bicycle when PC Marks attended the scene at a local park, but the quick-thinking officer asked a member of the public if he could borrow their two-wheels to make a pursuit.
Cycling at breakneck speed PC Marks then relentlessly chased Prosser until he intercepted the drug dealer by smashing into his bike opposite St John’s car park where he tackled him to the ground.
Following a search, Prosser was found to be in possession of a large quantity of cash and phones with messages related to drugs supply on them. A CT scan the next day also identified a plugged kinder egg toy case which contained wraps of heroin and crack cocaine.
Prosser was charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, escaping from lawful custody, acquiring/using/possessing criminal property, being concerned in the supply of cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of heroin.
He pleaded guilty to the offences at Northampton Crown Court at the beginning of October and returned to the same court last week (December 1) where he was sentenced to three years and eight months in prison.
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Beth Warren said: “This incident was an example of good old fashioned policing where our officers and members of the public worked together to take down a man whose actions were a blight on the community.
“The quick-thinking of PC Marks ensured Prosser was arrested swiftly and I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank the member of the public who let us borrow his bike.
“Tackling drug harm is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police and I hope this case demonstrates how quickly we act on community intelligence in order to make our town a nicer place to live.”
