Contact between armed officers and a man - Northumbria Police, January 2018

On 24 January 2018, armed Northumbria Police officers responded to reports of a man in possession of a firearm who had driven away from his home with the intention of taking his own life. The man was located by police officers in a supermarket car park. The man drove away and did not stop when requested. A short police pursuit commenced before officers were able to bring the man’s vehicle to a stop. The officers approached the man and warned him to drop his weapon. However, he discharged his own firearm through his mouth, causing serious injuries to his cheek. The officers provided first aid to the man until the arrival of paramedics.

Our investigators attended the scene and conducted a detailed examination. They took witness statements from police officers, and from the man who was injured. We compared these with CCTV helicopter footage, police officers’ body-worn camera footage, and vehicle-mounted camera footage.

During the investigation we found no indication any police officer may have behaved in a manner that would justify the bringing of disciplinary proceedings or committed a criminal offence.

It was our view that every officer and member of police staff involved in this incident played a critical role in locating the man, preserving the safety of the public and the police officers involved in the search, and ultimately providing him with immediate life-saving first aid. Had the man not been located by officers, the outcome could have been very different and all those involved should be commended for the part they played in the positive outcome of this incident.