Bravery awards after helping capture armed robber in Cov

A POLICE officer and a member of the public have been rewarded for their bravery and determination in helping with the capture of an armed robber.

Abdurraheem Idris witnessed a man, Panasche Chimimba, armed with a claw hammer, assault and attempt to rob a cash-in-transit driver outside a bank on Foleshill Road, Coventry, back in September 2018.

Without a second thought, Abdurraheem confronted the robber, who then fled in a Nissan Juke.

Abdurraheem passed on details of the car to police, who continued their search. The police officer rewarded was PC Danny Foote, who spotted the Juke nearby and alerted firearms officers.

Meanwhile, Chimimba collided with two other cars and struck a pedestrian before fleeing on foot.

Until back up arrived, PC Foote continued to chase the offender, drawing his Taser in a bid to try and stop him, and eventually Chimimba was detained and arrested.

Chimimba was later charged with eight offences and subsequently jailed for 14 years thanks to the quick-thinking and courage of these two men.

The incident took place at the Barclays bank on Foleshill Road on Friday September 7 2018 shortly after 11am.

23-year-old Chimimba, of Tanhouse Avenue, Great Barr, was charged with attempted robbery, possession of an offensive weapon, aggravated vehicle taking, causing serious injury through dangerous driving, driving without insurance, making off without payment and taking a car without the owner’s consent.

At an awards ceremony, Abdurraheem received a Chief Constable’s Good Citizen award and PC Foote received a Chief Constable’s Commendation.