Police Bodycam Captures Terrifying Moment Stolen Land Rover Reverses Over Car
Dramatic police bodycam footage has been released showing the horrifying moment a stolen Land Rover Defender reversed at high speed over a police vehicle in North London, nearly crushing two officers inside. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, 24 January, in Barnet, highlights the extreme dangers faced by frontline police officers.
The Terrifying Incident Unfolds
PC Angel De Melo and PC Rishav Neupane were on patrol when they spotted a vehicle matching the description of a reported stolen Land Rover Defender. The officers began following the vehicle as it turned into Somerton Street in Barnet and came to a stop. Without any warning, the driver suddenly reversed at speed into their stationary police car, which had pulled up directly behind.
The bodycam footage captures the chilling sequence of events:
- PC De Melo, sitting in the passenger seat, can be heard asking "What's he doing?" moments before impact
- PC Neupane braces and releases his hands from the steering wheel as the two-tonne four-by-four vehicle screeches backwards
- The Land Rover mounts the bonnet and rolls completely over the windscreen of the police car
- PC De Melo later recalled thinking "This is it" as the vehicle's rear wheel came directly in line with her face
Remarkable Composure Under Extreme Pressure
Despite being inches from death, both officers demonstrated extraordinary composure. The footage shows PC Neupane leaping from the damaged vehicle while PC De Melo immediately grabbed her radio to report "Control, we've been reverse rammed by this vehicle."
Remarkably, neither officer sustained serious injuries. Within approximately 20 seconds of the impact, PC De Melo was pointing a TASER at the Land Rover, which had landed on its side. When the driver jumped out and ignored commands, both officers gave chase on foot. After a two-minute pursuit, a male officer caught up with the suspect and took him to the ground.
Officers' Reflections on the Traumatic Experience
PC De Melo described the surreal experience: "Everything happened so quickly but in those kind of incidents, it feels like time slows down. I remember seeing it come towards us and I braced for it to ram us. But then it didn't stop. I remember feeling a mist of shattered glass all over me."
PC Neupane added: "I've been rammed before but nothing like this. I can remember the sound of the windscreen crushing, the tyres rolling over it and the windscreen starting to collapse. That sticks in my mind." He later confessed: "I thought Angel was going to be crushed."
Suspect Arrested and Police Commendation
A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm on a police officer, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance. He has been bailed until a date in late March.
The Metropolitan Police have released the footage to highlight the dangers officers face daily. Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, in charge of policing in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea, commended the officers' actions: "The actions of these officers highlight policing at its very best: teamwork, resilience, and bravery in the face of a genuine threat. The photographs from the scene highlight how close they were to serious, potentially life-changing harm."
She continued: "We are incredibly fortunate that they were able to walk away - let alone continue the pursuit and ensure the suspect's safe arrest. This incident highlights not only their individual courage but also the extraordinary heroism displayed by frontline officers across the Met every single day. The use of vehicles as weapons continues to pose significant risks, yet our officers confront this danger with unwavering professionalism and resolve."
The two officers have now been formally commended for their bravery during the terrifying incident, which serves as a stark reminder of the risks police officers willingly face while protecting the public.
