TWO Bromsgrove Police officers have been awarded for their bravery after disarming a man who threatened an elderly couple with a firearm.
It was on April 19 when PC Daren Riley and PC Steve Hastie responded to reports of a man in possession of a handgun in Bromsgrove town centre.
The man had approached an elderly couple who were sitting in their car and tapped on their window with the handgun.
He then asked them if they ‘wanted to be famous’ and eventually walked off to his own car.
The officers tracked the armed man’s vehicle and followed it on to a nearby industrial estate where he got out of his car, holding the gun which was pointed towards the floor.
The officers ordered him to put the weapon down but he refused despite them drawing their own guns.
The duo then worked together to safely taser him before overpowering him and grabbing his handgun.
It was only after he was arrested that it was discovered the weapon was a replica air gun.
The 47-year-old was convicted of firearms offences and sentenced to two years in prison.
Following their heroics, PC Riley and PC Hastie were presented with the Chief Constable Commendation at a West Mercia Police Awards ceremony.
They joined officers and staff from across the force area at Hindlip Hall where Chief Constable David Shaw and Det Ch Supt Andy Rowsell praised them for their quick-thinking actions.
Speaking on the night, Mr Rowsell said: “This evening celebrates the hard work and professionalism shown by our officers when helping to protect our communities from harm.
“They are often put in difficult and life threatening situations as part of their job and these awards recognise and appreciate their determination.”
PC Steve Hastie. (s)
