A police dog played a crucial role in securing key evidence after a dramatic foot chase through Brighton, during which a suspect assaulted an officer and attempted to evade arrest.
The incident unfolded at around 10pm on Friday, 25 April, when Sussex Police’s Tactical Firearms Unit (TFU) were conducting plain-clothes patrols to target drug dealing in the Dyke Road area. Officers became suspicious of a man using a taxi in the area and moved in to question him.
However, the suspect lashed out, assaulting one officer before fleeing on foot. In a quick-thinking move, a second officer flagged down a passing taxi and used it to get ahead of the suspect, successfully detaining him moments later in Compton Road.
Meanwhile, PD Dixie, a recently deployed German Shepherd with the force’s Dogs Unit, tracked the suspect’s escape route. Her expert nose led officers to a discarded bag in The Drove, which contained a number of deal bags suspected to contain Class A drugs.
A subsequent search of the suspect’s home uncovered further quantities of drugs and cash, which were seized by police as part of the ongoing investigation.
Tactical Firearms Unit Inspector Rob Hart praised the officers’ actions, saying:
“Our firearms officers are highly trained in a variety of duties beyond armed response, including plain-clothes patrols to disrupt the supply of drugs that impact our communities. The officers showed quick thinking, professionalism, and teamwork alongside our colleagues in the Dogs Unit to ensure the suspect was detained. This incident highlights our determination to catch offenders and dismantle criminal networks operating in Brighton and across Sussex.”
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, possessing cannabis with intent to supply, and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Police have confirmed that investigations remain ongoing and have urged anyone with information related to drug activity in the area to contact them on 101, quoting serial 1649 of 25/04, or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers.
