Police officer catches suspected dealer after chase through park

A patrolling police officer caught a suspected drug dealer after spotting him acting suspiciously in a Nottingham park.

PC Dan Bird was on the lookout for a missing person when he recognised a male who’d been on the wrong side of the law in the past.

The response officer kept an eye on the individual and moments later spotted him conducting what appeared to be a drug deal with another person.

PC Bird approached the suspected dealer to conduct a search but he ran off along Addison Street and into The Arboretum.

The officer managed to catch up with the suspect, who gave up after PC Bird drew his Taser and told him to stop.

PC Bird placed him into handcuffs and arrested him on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs.

The 21-year-old was searched and a number of items were found, including a deal bag of cannabis, cannabis smoking paraphernalia, a quantity of cash and a suspected burner phone used for conducting drug deals.

Policing colleagues arrived and took the suspect into custody, with PC Bird then attending his home address – a flat in nearby Addison Street – to search for more evidence of drug dealing.

The search uncovered large quantities of cannabis, scales, deal bags and a cash tin.

The suspect was questioned and bailed whilst further investigation work is carried out.

The arrest took place shortly after 6.45pm on Wednesday (14 August).

PC Bird, of the Radford Road Response team, said:

“Those who supply illegal drugs cause untold harm to vulnerable people and bring misery to local communities.

“That is why we will always stop and search individuals we suspect of selling drugs and why we remain vigilant on patrol.

“I hope this arrest provides reassurance that we work extremely hard every day to disrupt and ultimately stop those involved in such criminality.”