A police officer who had a gun pointed at his face and then at his police dog while pursuing a dangerous suspect said he feared he would be killed.
PC Elwood was chasing a gunman on foot after officers were called to a shooting at a recording studio in Woolwich, southeast London, in November 2020, when the threatening moment was caught on his body-worn camera.
He said: “When the gun was pointed directly at my face my instant reaction was to turn away in fear, I thought I was about to be killed.
“However, I continued to chase after them as they are dangerous individuals who needed removing from the streets.
“Had I not continued to chase after them then they would have got away and still had access to a deadly firearm.
“The presence of two police dogs during this incident was instrumental. One of the dogs found a discarded firearm and another played a significant role in capturing one of the suspects.”
Image: PD Cruz. Pic: Met Police
In the early hours of 3 November, five men arrived at the studio on Woolwich Church Street and fired three shots, injuring a woman and a man.
Police were called and a search began for the offenders who had fled in a stolen car.
Officers from a dog support unit located the vehicle, which failed to stop and crashed into a parked car. The five men ran off, leaving behind two magazines containing live ammunition, three large ‘Rambo’ knives and a machete.
As PC Elwood chased one of the men, Mucktar Khan, he turned and pointed a handgun at him and his police dog, PD Cruz.
The officer continued his pursuit and Khan was arrested shortly after by firearms officers in a nearby estate.
Three others, Myiles Brown, Joshua Fasoro and Don-Juan Newman, were also arrested by armed officers, who found them hiding nearby.
Gang jailed for more than 32 years
Image: Clockwise: Mucktar Khan, Myiles Brown, Joshua Fasoro and Don-Juan Newman. Pic: Met Police
The four men were collectively jailed for more than 32 years, following a five-week trial at Croydon Crown Court.
• Khan, 23 of Tavy Close, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment for possession of a prohibited firearm and possession with intent to commit an indictable offence
• Fasoro, 21 of Elmington Estate, was convicted of possession of a prohibited firearm and a further possession of a prohibited firearm relating to a 2019 matter. He was sentenced to eight years and six months in jail
• Brown, 22 of Cormont Road, was convicted of possession of a prohibited firearm and jailed for seven years and six months
• Newman, 23 of Oak Square, was convicted of possession of a prohibited firearm and imprisoned for seven years and six
All four were acquitted of the attempted murder of the man and woman. The fifth man was never found.
‘Brazen and reckless’
Detective Constable Andy Brackley from the Metropolitan Police, said: “The actions of these four men that night were brazen and extremely reckless.
“We don’t believe the two victims shot that night were the intended targets and it is only down to sheer luck that their injuries were not fatal. Although both have recovered they are both still suffering from the long-term health implications caused by their injuries.”
He added: “The footage from the officer’s body-worn camera is shocking and displays the bravery and dedication officers can sometimes face. PD Cruz was also instrumental that evening in apprehending one of the offenders.”
