MARGATE — A civilian motorist assisted Kent Police armed officers in Margate with apprehending a suspect on June 16. The motorist used his van to help stop an individual fleeing after an alleged serious assault.

Bodycam footage from June 16 recorded the motorist pulling over to offer assistance. An officer, carrying a large weapon, was pursuing a suspect who had fled a property in Margate following an alleged serious assault, according to Kent Police. The suspect entered a park in an attempt to evade capture and was close to losing the police patrols before the motorist intervened.

The motorist called out, "Get in the back. Get in the back." The officer then entered the van and said, "Go, go, go! Cheers buddy. Follow that police officer." The officer instructed the driver to "Just go past him. Keep going past him." During the pursuit, the officer cautioned, "Don't crash," to which the motorist responded, "I won't crash, sir."

The footage shows the driver pulling up at the side of the road after overtaking the suspect. The officer exited the van and promptly instructed the suspect, "Don't move. Put your hands on your head." The suspect was subsequently arrested.

Following the arrest, the officer shook the driver's hand and expressed gratitude for the assistance. The motorist stated, "I am just glad I could be of service. That was quite exhilarating."

Armed Policing Superintendent Will Lay commented on the incident, stating, "A [suspect] who was being relentlessly pursued, and was seeking to evade capture, came close to losing patrols in a nearby park." Lay added, "However, our armed officers remained committed." He also said, "Thanks to the quick and selfless actions of this responsible and public-spirited driver, officers were able to apprehend the dangerous individual."

Lay further noted, "The successful arrest may not have been possible without the member of the public and his vehicle." He expressed that the driver "should feel proud of his contribution to keeping his community safe and we are truly grateful for his assistance."