Five-a-side footballer catches Class A drug suspect being chased past pitch
A footballer caught a suspected drug dealer as he was being chased by police past the pitch he was playing on.
Instead of tackling the opposition, the five-a-side player saw the commotion and tackled the man on the run at Goals Black Country in Darlaston Lane.
Police found a 'significant quantity' of what is believed to be crack cocaine in a nearby car.
The chase unfolded through the busy football centre, which is next to St Thomas More Catholic School on the edge of Bilston and Willenhall.
The officers will now be nominating the footballer for a police bravery award for his actions.
West Midlands Police Traffic Sergeant Jon Butler said he had run out of superlatives to describe the Good Samaritan’s actions - but still had plenty of clichés in the locker.
He added: "There were some tired legs out there, you know, but this lad had a little bit left in the tank and managed to find that extra yard of pace to tackle the suspect.
"Our officers quickly nullified the threat and he was given his marching order, straight into the back of a police car.
"There’s no place in football for pitch invasions and this crime suspect was no doubt having nightmares about his decision while locked-up in police custody.
"He should have stayed on-side of the law as now faces the penalty of time behind bars if convicted."
Sgt Butler added: "Our traffic officers are patrolling the roads of the West Midlands day in, day out, week in, week out to keep the streets safe and to catch criminals.
"They’re giving 110 per cent − but it certainly helps us when you get no-nonsense members of the public also willing to put in a shift to help the side."
An 18-year-old Albanian national was arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and remains in police custody today. Officers are liaising with immigration officials to determine if he is in the country illegally.
