02-03-2025
Drug dealer convicted after deliberately driving at two police officers
A DRUG dealer who injured two police officers by deliberately driving at them in an incident in Walsall has been convicted of wounding and a serious assault.
One officer suffered serious leg injuries and is still recovering following the incident which happened on February 24 last year, while another police officer was also hurt.
Saqib Ali, aged 29, from Mere Road, Birmingham, was found guilty of wounding and a section 47 assault after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
The incident in which the West Midlands Police officers were injured unfolded at around 10.30am on the morning of February 24 when three officers who were in a police van spotted a Vauxhall Astra car parked up on Reservoir Place.
PC Bull approached and saw the driver, Ali, seemingly asleep at the wheel inside.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: 'PC Bull talked to Ali, who appeared to the officer to be under the influence of either drugs or alcohol due to the reddening of his eyes. PC Kidd had exited the police van and stood to the front of the Vauxhall Astra.
'PC Bull then opened the side door and asked Ali to put out his hands for handcuffing as they wanted to carry out a search.
'Ali then put the vehicle into gear and drove it forward trapping PC Kidd against the police van. PC Bull also gets trapped within the driver's door as it is pinned against the van.'
The distressing incident was captured on bodycams worn by the officers, who shouted and pleaded for Ali to free them.
After about 30 seconds Ali reversed the vehicle away and PC Bull continued to struggle with the driver – eventually managing to discharge his taser towards Ali who made off down Reservoir Place and into Darlaston Road.
Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment.
PC Bull sustained tissue damage and bruising while PC Kidd suffered serious leg injuries requiring surgery and rehabilitation.
Ali was arrested in Nelson Street, Oldbury, the next day while sitting in a Volkswagen Passat alongside another man.
He was searched and a plastic carrier bag containing suspected Class A drugs was found – with tests later revealing the drugs to be crack cocaine.
Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton, from the West Midlands Police Major Crime Unit, said: 'This was a very distressing incident for all officers involved with two officers left injured. Bodycam footage captured the shocking incident but it also proved to be vital as a crucial part of the evidence in this case.
'Ali was quickly apprehended, brought before the court and now faces years behind bars following his conviction.'
Ali will be sentenced at a later date.
