Dangerous drivers caught by roads policing officers

In the last 24 hours…

Officers from our Durham Roads & Armed Policing unit were busy yesterday with these dangerous drivers seemingly wanting to spend Easter weekend in the cells.

Just before 3pm officers pursued a Ford Fiesta through Great Burdon. The 17-year-old driver reached speeds of 80mph in 40mph zones, swerving into oncoming traffic and putting other road users at risk, including his 14-year-old passenger.

After driving so badly he popped a tyre, both boys tried to flee but were swiftly chased down and arrested. The driver was subsequently charged with dangerous driving, having no licence and no insurance.

The other boy was charged with aggravated vehicle taking and will be put before the court in the coming days.

Just a few hours later, officers had another pursuit when a black Toyota Hilux, believed to have been stolen from Northumbria, was spotted in Eldon. The car was pursued at speed through Kirk Merrington before being stung in Chilton.

The driver attempted to ram the police cars before fleeing into a field where he was swiftly caught by good boy, PD Dutch.

The 21-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, disqualified driving, having no Insurance, theft of motor vehicle and resisting arrest. He remains in custody today. His passenger was arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs and theft of motor vehicle.

These incidents are just a few examples of what our officers deal with every day to keep the public safe.

We won’t tolerate dangerous driving and will continue to take those who put others at risk, off our roads.