Off-duty volunteer police officer in Hemel Hempstead stops drink driver
An off-duty volunteer police officer helped stop a drink driver from causing a collision in Hemel Hempstead.
Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed today that Special Constable Amanda Bonds spotted a vehicle swerving, braking erratically and posing a clear danger to the public.
She called 999, provided updates to the control room and followed the car at a safe distance until officers could attend, the police force revealed.
It was when the vehicle veered into a leisure park and narrowly avoided several parked cars and pedestrians that SC Bonds stepped in on foot, identified herself as a police officer and brought the vehicle to a stop. She stayed with the individual until back-up arrived.
Hertfordshire Constabulary adds that the driver was arrested, the car was seized and the passengers taken safely home. Michael Tewiah, aged 39, of Stanborough Avenue, Borehamwood, was subsequently charged with drink driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a vehicle without insurance.
He admitted to the charges at a St Albans Magistrates’ Court hearing on February 3 and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 21 months and was fined £365.
Special Constable Bonds said: “Even when we’re off duty, our priority is always the safety of the public. When I saw the way the vehicle was being driven, it was clear that someone could get seriously hurt.
“The training we receive as Special Constables stays with you in all aspects of life, and in that moment it guided everything I did - gathering information, keeping the control room updated and stepping in to prevent further danger. I’m glad that nobody was injured and that we were able to secure a positive outcome.”