Police praise for Canterbury martial arts instructor Darren Stevens' aid at drink-drive arrest
Black belt martial arts
instructor Darren Stevens
by Jamie Bullen
A drink-drive suspect accused of attacking a policeman was
arrested after a martial arts expert stepped in to help the
struggling officer.
Black belt Darren Stevens was driving through Broad Oak, near
Canterbury, when he spotted the PC pepper-spraying a man he was
attempting to arrest.
He pulled over and jumped out of his car to help restrain the
man, who was said to have injured the officer in the struggle.
Mr Stevens, who runs Fusion Martial Arts and Fitness, in Broad
Oak Road, was
"With true martial arts training you can have the confidence to take on any situation..." – Darren Stevens
praised
for his actions and even received a letter from police applauding
his bravery.
He shared the story on Fusion's Facebook page, winning
resounding support from hundreds of people.
He wrote: "A copper in front of him [the suspect] had been hit
by this guy and was unloading a full can of spray in this guy’s
face; didn't work and the copper was alone at this time, truly
scared at the aggression of this monster.
"So me being me, 5ft 6ins, stopped and took this guy down to
help the officer.
"Note to all my students, no matter how small you are or what
sex you are, with true martial arts training you can have the
confidence to take on any situation, but it takes dedication and
persistence in your training."
Police inspector Kevin Dyer wrote to Mr Stevens on the day of
the incident to thank him for his help and avoiding serious
injury.
Instructor Darren Stevens
helped police arrest a suspected drink-driver
Insp Dyer wrote: "I am writing to thank you for the assistance
you gave to my officers today.
"Not all members of the public would put themselves into such
situations and having spoken to the officers they are very grateful
for your assistance.
"As a result of your help the male was detained with only minor
injury to one of the officers."
Martin Barnard, 33, of Ashburnham Road, Ramsgate, is due before
Canterbury magistrates on January 21 charged with failing to
provide a breath specimen and assaulting a police officer.
10/01/13
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