After finishing their shifts, PC Rykki Townsend and an unnamed officer left Mansfield House Police Station around midnight on September 17, 2020, to return to their cars.
The officers noticed a man standing in the front parking lot, wearing a high-visibility police jacket and a black balaclava and holding a hammer. The man approached PC Townsend and inquired if he was a police officer. He said he was and asked if he could assist.
The man then became verbally aggressive, repeatedly threatening to kill the officers and refusing to let them leave. PC Townsend was able to get into his vehicle and start his engine, providing a brief respite before the man retreated towards the gates.
Neither officer could leave because they lacked PPE and radios, and there was also a risk to the public who was passing by just a few feet away.
PC Townsend called 999 from his car to seek assistance after assessing the situation and risk. While he was still on the phone, his colleague manoeuvred his car so that he could effectively negotiate with the man, who was now standing on the other side of the gates, in full public view.
The man was still holding the hammer when he suddenly produced a knife. He told one of the officers that he was going to kill him and dump him in a ditch for his colleagues to find.
The officer remained calm, and thanks to the clear updates provided by PC Townsend to the control room, he was able to keep the man talking to him until other officers arrived.
The subject had more knives on him when he was arrested. Because the man remained too violent to be dealt with in custody, the Court charged and remanded him.
He was found guilty of possessing an offensive weapon in court and sentenced to four years in prison.
Rykki and his colleague remained calm when faced with what must have been extremely difficult and challenging circumstances,” said Adam Commons, Chair of the Leicestershire Police Federation.
They acted quickly and effectively as the incident unfolded in front of them, without using their PPE, and were able to secure an emergency response that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Without these officers’ professionalism and bravery, the outcome could have been tragic.
We are very proud of this dedicated duo’s work.
The National Police Bravery Awards recognise officers from across England and Wales who have displayed exceptional bravery while on or off duty.
PC Townsend and his colleague will attend a reception and awards ceremony in London in July as nominees.