A police officer who borrowed a cyclist’s bike to chase a £90,000 jewellery theft suspect has been named South Yorkshire Police’s Officer of the Year
PC Paddy Connell took quick action in January during a dramatic incident that began with a car pursuit . When the suspect abandoned a stolen Range Rover and took off on foot, Connell continued the chase. He encountered a helpful cyclist who not only pointed him in the right direction but also handed over his bike, shouting: “Go get ’em!”
With a wobbly start, PC Connell powered through and caught up with the suspect as he tried to escape through a garden alleyway. The man ignored police warnings and attempted to scale a fence but was arrested in a neighbouring back garden.
The suspect was arrested in connection with the stolen vehicle and a robbery involving £90,000 worth of jewellery.
The veteran officer, who has served for 23 years, was praised for his “passion, dedication and unwavering commitment,” earning him the coveted Officer of the Year title.
On January 28 this year, the officer was once again called into action when he apprehended a burglar listed among the force’s ‘most wanted’.
PC Connell spotted a Suzuki Cross 4×4 in Penistone that failed to stop, triggering a pursuit that lasted nearly 30 minutes.
Throughout the chase, the suspect hurled objects — including a fire extinguisher — from the vehicle in an attempt to obstruct officers.
Despite the danger, PC Connell skillfully avoided the flying items and successfully deployed a stinger just before the roundabout at junction 37 on the M1.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing, Peter Spratt, said: “In the Roads Policing Group, we are immensely proud of PC Connell, and the recognition he has received.
“He is an integral member of the team and has had so many excellent results with colleagues, bringing offenders to justice and making South Yorkshire safer as a result.”
“Our officers regularly put themselves at risk to protect the public, managing these incidents to a safe conclusion through tactics that require dynamic teamwork and skilful implementation of their training. Well done PC Connell, you are a credit to the department.”
