29-07-2025
Moment hero police officer commandeers bystander's bike in relentless pursuit of car thief after high speed chase
This is the moment a quick-thinking police officer caught a suspected thief by swapping his patrol car for a passerby's bike.
Footage of PC Paddy Connell chasing a stolen Range Rover in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, went viral in April last year.
The suspected thief first attempted to flee in reverse before he managed to speed away and hit speeds of 80mph in a 30mph zone.
The driver finally crashed the £40,000 car into a row of parked cars before scrambling out and clambering over a fence.
PC Connell chased on foot before being helped by a passing cyclist.
The Good Samaritan pointed PC Connell in the direction of the suspect before handing over his bicycle, telling the officer: 'Go get em'.
After pedalling after the suspect, PC Connell ditched the bike and followed him on foot as he jumped over a wall and headed into a back garden.
The officer finally collared the man who was hiding behind a shed and ordered him to lie on the ground before handcuffing him.
After pedalling after the suspect, PC Connell ditched the bike and followed him on foot as he jumped over a wall and headed into a back garden
A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
The 2.30-minute clip of the chase went viral after South Yorkshire Police released the footage.
The officer was also called into action on January 28 this year when he arrested a burglar who was on the force's 'most wanted' list.
PC Connell spotted a Suzuki Cross 4x4 in Penistone which failed to stop and resulted in a chase lasting almost 30 minutes.
During the pursuit the suspect threw items - including a fire extinguisher - from the car.
PC Connell dodged the items and was able to deploy a stinger just before a roundabout at junction 37 on the M1.
The cop, who has served for 23 years, rammed the Suzuki and two men in the car were arrested. They are due in court later this year.
PC Connell has now been crowned the force's Police Officer of the Year.
Chief Inspector of Roads Policing Peter Spratt said: 'We are immensely proud of PC Connell, and the recognition he has received.
'He is an integral member of the team and has had so many excellent results with colleagues, bringing offenders to justice and making South Yorkshire safer as a result.
'Our officers regularly put themselves at risk to protect the public, managing these incidents to a safe conclusion through tactics that require dynamic teamwork and skilful implementation of their training.
'Well done PC Connell, you are a credit to the department.'
