The prestigious annual Police Bravery Awards will this year hear of a North Yorkshire Police constable who disarmed a man who was threatening people with a large knife.
Just before 7pm Friday 18 July 2014, PC Richard Baranovsky was single crewed in a parked, marked patrol vehicle in Harrogate Town Centre.
He was approached by two young men who told him that there was a man near Victoria Shopping Centre chasing people and brandishing a large knife.
PC Baranovsky drove near the scene and saw people running. He saw the man he was looking for, walking swiftly away from the scene along Station Parade.
PC Baranovsky called out to challenge the man who began to run.
The brave officer gave chase, not knowing whether the suspect still had the knife. While he was attempting to flee, the suspect was knocked off balance providing PC Baranovsky with an opportunity to catch and restrain him.
He recovered a large, eight inch blade carving knife from the waistband of the detainee’s trousers.
Soon after the suspect’s arrest it became apparent that he was responsible for stabbing a teenager in the leg, some moments earlier.
Mike Stubbs, North Yorkshire Police Federation, said:
PC Baranovsky showed courage and determination in single-handedly apprehending a man, who had moments earlier stabbed someone in Harrogate town centre and then had brandished a large knife at other members of the public. He recognised the risk presented and gave chase, restrained and arrested him and deserves the nomination and recognition from it.
Stephen Mann, CEO, Police Mutual, said:
Police Mutual is extremely proud to sponsor the Police Bravery Awards, recognising the courage of police officers who face extremely challenging situations every day to keep the public safe. Our ongoing, long-term commitment to support these awards reflects the incredible respect we have for the work of the police service.
- On 12th January 2015, a male appeared at York Crown Court charged with section 18 wounding and possession of a bladed article. He entered a guilty plea. He was subsequently ordered to be detained at a specified centre without limit under S.27 Mental Health Act 1987
- he Police Bravery Awards, hosted in partnership with Police Mutual, is an annual event which honours police officers across England and Wales for their actions to tackle criminals and keep the public safe. This year marks the 20th Police Bravery Awards. The ceremony will take place on 27 October 2015 at The Dorchester, 53 Park Lane, London W1K 1QA.
- The Police Federation of England and Wales, represents more than 123,000 police officers up to and including the rank of Chief Inspector. Established by statute, we are responsible not only for the welfare of our members but also ensure that their views on all aspects of policing, including relevant legislation, are relayed to government, opinion formers and key stakeholders. See www.polfed.org.
