West Midlands Police tasered and arrested a man in Birmingham following a pursuit involving a cloned car that had been linked to a burglary in Warwickshire. The incident occurred on Friday, 15 March, when officers spotted the vehicle in the Small Heath area.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
The vehicle, a black Audi, was identified as a cloned car—meaning it had false license plates—and was believed to have been used in a burglary in Warwickshire. When officers attempted to stop the car, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit through the streets of Birmingham.
The chase ended in the Bordesley Green area, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers pursued him and, after a short chase, used a Taser to subdue him. The man, aged 31, was arrested on suspicion of burglary, dangerous driving, and other offenses.
Injuries and Charges
The suspect was taken to hospital as a precaution after being tasered, but his injuries were not serious. He was later released into police custody. West Midlands Police confirmed that the cloned car had been seized and would be examined as part of the investigation.
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “The vehicle was cloned and had been linked to a burglary in Warwickshire. The driver failed to stop for officers, and a pursuit ensued. He was safely detained with the use of a Taser and has been arrested.”
Community Impact
The incident has raised concerns about the use of cloned vehicles in criminal activities. Cloned cars are often used by criminals to avoid detection, as they display the license plates of a legitimate vehicle. West Midlands Police have urged the public to report any suspicious vehicles or activities.
The suspect remains in custody, and investigations are ongoing. Police are also working with Warwickshire Police to link the burglary and the cloned car.
