A stinger device has been successfully deployed to help arrest a driver in Tonbridge who is alleged to have made deliberate attempts to ram a police car.
The stinger successfully deflated the tyres of a black Audi on Sunday 12 February 2023, after a lengthy pursuit which had started in East Peckham. It is reported the Audi had initially been seen by police at around 10.50pm driving at excessive speeds. It was followed from the East Peckham area by an unmarked patrol car, which illuminated its blue lights and activated a police siren.
The Audi failed to stop and is alleged to have been driven at speeds in excess of 90mph in residential areas and on the wrong side of the road. It is further alleged the vehicle was used in attempts to reverse into the police car.
Helicopter
The pursuit was assisted by a and the stinger device was used at a location near Hadlow Road. At 11.35pm, the vehicle eventually came to a stop in Quincewood Gardens, Tonbridge, where the driver is alleged to have fled on foot and assaulted a police officer before being detained in a nearby field.
Akeem Thorla-Bangura, 19, from Staplehurst was taken into custody and later charged with dangerous driving, assault of an emergency worker, failing to stop for police when requested to do so and driving without insurance or a licence.
Cocaine
The teenager was further charged with possessing cocaine and with criminal damage, in connection with an alleged incident in a police cell. He was remanded to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 14 February.