following
confrontation with armed drugs dealers in Putney in 2001
On Thursday 8th July at The Dorchester, in the presence of the Home Secretary, David Blunkett,
PC's Archer and Woodhouse were honoured with the 'top honour'. The star
studded occasion followed a reception at 10 Downing Street with the Prime
Minister, where were among 45 of the bravest officers in England and Wales.
Commissioner Sir John Stevens said: "I am delighted that the outstanding
courage of PCs Archer and Woodhouse has been recognised with the Police
Bravery Award. The Metropolitan Police Service is immensely proud of them.
"Once again we have heard about some extraordinary examples of bravery
and determination in the most dangerous of situations. At the heart of
each of those stories are police officers from all over the country and
they deserve our profound admiration and respect. They are all heroes
and heroines.
Constables Jeremy Archer and Nick Woodhouse won following their nomination
for the annual event, which is staged to recognise the unsung heroes of
the service. All 43 forces are annually invited to select their top candidates
who are nominated by fellow officers from their local Police Federation,
for courageously going above and beyond the call of duty.
With little regard for their safety PCs Archer and Woodhouse chased and
apprehended armed drug dealers. After a lengthy chase of one suspect PC
Archer was involved in a violent struggle, whereby a loaded gun was driven
in to his stomach. PC Woodhouse tackled another gunman who escaped and
tried to hide amongst party goers and a private barbeque, recognising
the danger he presented to the party goers PC Woodhouse tackled him, pulled
him back in to an alleyway and handcuffed him.
The drama unfolded when at around 10 pm on 15th May 2001, a dispute between
a drug dealer and his Columbian suppliers exploded into violence. At a
previous 'pay off', the dealer later claimed that he was attacked and
robbed of £85,000. On this date the dealer and his bodyguard staked
out the Columbians at a house in Putney. On arriving at the house, the
Columbians realised they were being watched and drove off. A high-speed
chase ensued. The Columbians were shot at and the driver received a gunshot
wound to the stomach.
The chase continued into Putney High Street where the Columbian driver
received a bullet graze to the stomach before spotting the patrol car
containing PCs Archer and Woodhouse.
Fearing for their lives, the Columbians drove across the officers' car,
making it brake to avoid collision. They got out screaming they had been
shot and the driver displayed his blood soaked shirt.
As the officers called for assistance and an ambulance, the two gunmen
drove past. Despite the risk to themselves and knowing the offenders were
armed, PCs Archer and Woodhouse rurned to their car and gave chase.
When the offenders' car got stuck in traffic, the passenger jumped out
and was pursued on foot by PC Archer into an unlit, dead end alleyway.
Realising he was trapped, the offender tried to pull his handgun on the
officer but it snagged in his pocket.
Married Constable Archer seized the opportunity to run at him. A violent
struggle ensued and the loaded gun was driven in to the officer's stomach.
Despite the risk of being killed, PC Archer made the offender drop the
weapon and placed a handcuff on him. The gunman feigned compliance before
sprinting off, chased by the officer who tackled him in a nearby garden,
applied for the second cuff and arrested him.
Unaware of what was happening to his colleague, patrol car driver PC Woodhouse
continued to pursue the second suspect at high speed along Putney High
Street. When the suspect abandoned his vehicle, Constable Woodhouse chased
him down an unlit alleyway but lost sight of him at the end.
When the officer heard a party in a nearby garden, he entered and found
the suspect mingling with partygoers. Recognising the dangers to the partygoers,
PC Woodhouse tackled the gunman and pulled him back in to the alleyway
where he handcuffed and arrested him after a struggle.
Later, at the Central Criminal Court, the offenders were sentenced to
a total of 39 years' imprisonment. The officers' bravery has been recognised
by the Commissioner's High Commendation.
Praising their bravery, Sir John Stevens said ""This is just one example
of the type of work Met officers perform on a daily basis to ensure the
safety of London and Londoners. I am very proud to be associated
with officers who exemplify all that is excellent about the Met."
July
7, 2004
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