Birmingham police have released the video footage showing the moment unarmed officers chased down a gunman on the infamous James Turner street in Birmingham, made famous from the Channel 4 show “Benefit street”
Police officers armed with tazers found him with a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver.
The officers were patrolling in an unmarked car near City Hospital on 1 February 2021 when a black VW Polo pulled across their path.
They were suspicious and after running quick-time checks on police systems activated their blue lights for it to stop – but as the driver pulled over a passenger bolted from the car.
Johniel Barrett was the runner but he didn’t get far as officers chased him into nearby James Turner Street where he was pinned to the floor.
They spotted the handle of an antique revolver poking from his waistband and when asked “is it loaded” 19-year-old Barrett replied “yes”.
We found it to be a Webley Mark VI revolver loaded with a .44 Smith and Wesson cartridge.
Barrett, now 20, from Ladywood, went on to admit possessing a firearm and ammunition.
And at Birmingham Crown Court on 19 December he was jailed for five years.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Steve Harris, said: “The officers showed great courage. They saw Barrett holding something near his waistband which they suspected was a firearm but gave chase nonetheless in order to protect the public.
“Barrett was running towards a school and the officers were determined to get to him before he posed a risk to anyone else.
“They were equipped with tasers and challenged Barrett, ordering him to the floor, when they found their suspicions were accurate about the gun.
“It’s another lethal weapon off the streets and a young man now paying a high price for his involvement with illegal firearms.”
