Armed police have released dramatic footage of the moment they rammed a knifeman's car to stop him driving the wrong way down the M5. Joshua Jones, 23, was being pursued after threatening a woman he knew in Halesowen on Sunday, May 24, while armed with a Rambo-style knife.
Dangerous Chase Through Black Country Streets
Firearms officers chased Jones as he drove dangerously in a white Ford Puma through Black Country streets. He reached 70mph in a 30mph zone, weaving through traffic towards junction 2 of the M5 and going the wrong way around a roundabout. As he was about to enter the motorway the wrong way, a police driver made the decision to 'tactically' ram his car.
Moment of Impact
The police car struck the rear driver's side of the Ford Puma, spinning it around at about 10am. Jones immediately took his hands off the steering wheel and raised them. An armed officer got out, shouting 'do not move' and ordering him out of the car. Jones complied and was handcuffed at gunpoint.
A Rambo knife was recovered from the passenger seat. An officer told Jones: 'How many people could you have killed going up there?' as he was taken into custody.
Court Appearance
Jones, of Fountain Lane, Oldbury, admitted possession of a large Rambo knife, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, criminal damage, and using threatening language at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on May 26. He was remanded in custody to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on June 23.
Chief Insp Sinead Sweeney, head of West Midlands Police's firearms unit, praised the teamwork: 'This was fantastic teamwork by our officers, working closely with NPAS colleagues, who used their skills and training to bring a dangerous offender to justice. The consequences of Jones driving the wrong way down the motorway could have been catastrophic.'
