Published: April 26, 2007
Burnham-On-Sea police officer receives award after apprehending man

A Burnham-On-Sea police officer has this week been presented with a commendation award for going beyond the call of duty.

PC Chris Guest (pictured) was driving through Highbridge towards Burnham Police Station on his way to work in January when he spotted a male walking along Church Street who is known to be a violent, dangerous person and who has a reputation for fighting with police.

"The man was wanted for a violent assault on a female and for a breach of a court order," he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.

"I kept observations on the male whilst calling for fellow police officers to attend, having concerns that the male would evade arrest as in the past."

"I aproached the male - not wearing a stab vest - and introduced myself and the male who then resisted arrest and made off into a block of flats in Church Street."

"I gave chase as the male tried to escape and he shut the main door where it locked via the electric latch."

"I forced entry through the locked door to the flats and gave chase to the male up three flights of stairs to the top floor where a small altercation occured and the male was apprehended."

"The man was then taken into custody on the arrival of another police officer. When he apeared in court, he was sentenced to a term in prison."

Chris was invited to Taunton Police Station to receive a Commendation from Police District Commander John Snell.