Chair 'sickened' by hit-and-run on officer

1 March 2024

West Midlands Police Federation chair Rich Cooke says that a hit and run in which an officer was injured made him 'sick to his stomach'.

The officer sustained leg injuries after being hit by a car in Reservoir Place, Walsall last weekend.

West Midlands Police said it was hopeful the injuries will not be life changing.

Another officer also received treatment but they were not seriously injured.

Rich and branch deputy chair Jase Dooley visited the officer in hospital in Walsall over the weekend, as well as the team handling the case on the day, and sent their get well wishes.

Chair Rich Cooke said the incident left him feeling 'sick to his stomach'.

He told the Express and Star newspaper that the incident made him feel ‘sick to his stomach’.

Rich added: “These sorts of attacks are like attacks on the whole of society because the officers are working on behalf of the public.

“We just can't function if we haven't got the ability to do our jobs.”

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident.

West Midlands Police said that acting on information, officers stopped a vehicle in Oldbury just after 5.15am on Sunday and during searches some drugs were found.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of drugs with intent to supply.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and in connection with the drugs.