An independent charity has put up a £2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of a Birmingham man suspected of attacking a police officer with a baton. The West Midlands Police officer sustained a head injury during the incident on Soho Road in Handsworth on Friday, July 3.
Details of the Attack
The officer was attempting to detain a man when he was struck with a baton. Two officers were involved in trying to restrain the suspect near railings before the attack occurred. After striking the officer, the suspect fled the scene on an electric bike.
Police are now searching for Mahroy Stephenson, 30, from Bartley Green, who has been labelled as 'most wanted'. He is wanted on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and suspicion of an earlier assault on June 21.
Reward and Anonymous Reporting
Crimestoppers, an independent charity, has offered the reward for any information that leads to Stephenson's arrest. The charity emphasises that information can be given anonymously. Alan Edwards, regional manager for the West Midlands at Crimestoppers, said: “This was a serious incident in a busy part of Birmingham, and we believe someone may have information that could help. You may have seen something yourself, or heard information from someone else since the incident happened. If you know where Mahroy Stephenson is, or have information about his movements, please tell Crimestoppers anonymously. We don’t need your name, and you won’t have to speak to police. We simply want to make it possible for people to speak up safely and anonymously.”
How to Provide Information
Crimestoppers can be contacted by calling 0800 555 111. The charity states: “We do not ask for your name or personal details, and your personal information cannot be traced. You will not have to speak to police or give evidence in court. We just want to hear from you if you were in the Soho Road area at the time of the incident or may know where Stephenson is.”
Information passed directly to police will not qualify for the reward. To be eligible, a reward code must be obtained when calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If contacting via the charity's online form anonymously, the 'Keep in contact' facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on initial contact.
