A TEESDALE police officer who was thrown onto the bonnet of a moving car after confronting a dangerous driver has been nominated for a national bravery award.
Inspector Ed Turner, who is taking charge of the Teesdale area, was off duty when he was hit by the vehicle near Northallerton in January 2016.
He had created a roadblock to shield the victim of a collision, but this was ignored by a motorist who continued to drive towards the police officer. Despite Insp Turner signalling for the car to stop, the driver accelerated, flinging him over the bonnet.
While the vehicle was moving, Insp Turner rolled and positioned himself alongside the driver’s side, shouting at the driver to stop.
The man still refused, so Insp Turner reached inside to grab his hand from the steering wheel.
When that failed, he grabbed hold of the seatbelt to stop the driver, who continued onto a grassed area, forcing Insp Turner to let go, injuring his hand.
If he had not let go, he would have been dragged along by the vehicle, risking significant injury.
In recognition for his actions, Insp Turner has been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales.
It follows a Chief Constable’s Commendation for the same incident last year.
Andy Jackson, chairman of Durham Police Federation, said: “The bravery and professionalism shown by Insp Turner went above and beyond the normal call of duty.
“He showed exceptional bravery, putting his own life at risk to stop a dangerous driver and ensuring that no one else was hurt.”
Durham Constabulary’s deputy chief constable Jo Farrell said: “Every day
police officers across the country carry out heroic actions in order to protect the public.
“We are really proud that Insp Turner has been nominated for a bravery award and I am delighted at the recognition for the force.”
Stephen Mann, chief executive officer of Police Mutual, which is sponsoring the awards, said: “When it mattered most, you stepped up. You proved that your commitment to keeping the public safe did not waver, even when tested in the most trying of circumstances.”
The ceremony takes place in London next month.
Insp Turner will take over from Inspector Kevin Tuck as neighbourhood inspector for Teesdale next month.
His most recent post was as inspector for the Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit.
However, he has previously been a sergeant in Teesdale.
