WATCH: Drug dealer hit police officer with car in bid to evade arrest - The Rugby Observer

WATCH: Drug dealer hit police officer with car in bid to evade arrest

Rugby Editorial 16th Aug, 2022 Updated: 16th Aug, 2022   0

A DRUG dealer who hit a police officer with his car in a bid to evade arrest has been jailed for four and a half years.

In March last year, officers attempted to stop Matthew Crofts in a car on Bath Street.

With his passenger door still open, Crofts reversed at speed – striking a Detective Constable.

He continued to reverse towards oncoming vehicles on Clifton Road.




Crofts then made his way to a friend’s house, where he hid evidence of his drug dealing.

And Crofts’ dangerous attempt to avoid being caught came to nothing when officers discovered the address and seized the evidence.


Matthew Crofts, 24, from Gill Crescent in Houlton was sentenced to 54 months in prison.

After he was arrested, the 24-year-old from Gill Crescent in Houlton was charged with dangerous driving, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

At Coventry Crown Court, Crofts was sentenced to 54 months in prison.

Det Cons Matthew Rapkins of Rugby Proactive CID said: “This was an outrageous incident in which a drug dealer was prepared to put members of the public’s lives at risk in order to get away and save himself.

“He has knocked over a Police Officer in the process.

“Thankfully, nobody was seriously hurt and his efforts to hide evidence was all in vain as officers quickly located the evidence.”

Det Ch Insp Neil Reader said: “Crofts thought he could escape justice, and he was willing to endanger police and the public to do that.

“As he has discovered, actions have consequences – and his reckless behaviour only got him into more trouble.

“Drug dealers are not welcome in Warwickshire, they prey on the vulnerable and try to destroy communities.

“All involved in this criminal activity can expect to be brought to justice.”

See above to watch CCTV footage of Crofts’ bid to evade arrest.

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