Bravery awards for the PCs who faced a gunman
A POLICE officer who had a gun pointed at his head by a violent thug has today been handed a bravery award for disarming and arresting him.
PC Simon Toft Tasered Steven Bowen when the burglar aimed the gun at his head and chest during the terrifying incident in Stockport.
Armed with only a baton and Taser, PC Toft and PC Michelle Gee (both pictured right) were called to reports of a burglary at the end of last year. When they arrived, Bowen ran down the stairs and pointed the gun at PC Toft but the quick-thinking officer fired his Taser, disabling the 36-year-old.
The officers then arrested Bowen, who was later jailed on burglary and a firearms offences.
A POLICE officer who had a gun pointed at his head by a violent thug has been handed a bravery award, for saving his and a colleague’s life.
PC Simon Toft tasered Steven Bowen when the burglar aimed the gun at his head and chest during the terrifying incident in Stockport.
Armed with just a baton and taser, PC Toft and PC Michelle Gee were called to the property to reports of a burglary at the end of last year. When they arrived, Bowen ran down the stairs and pointed the gun at PC Toft.
The quick-thinking PC fired his taser at the 36-year-old, which made him collapse to the floor.
The officers then arrested him for aggravated burglary and a firearms offence. Bowen was later sentenced to seven years. The fearless constables were today both handed bravery awards during a ceremony at GMP Hough End.
PC Toft said: “At the time of the incident, I believed the firearm to be real and had genuine concerns for our safety.
“Thankfully, nobody was injured and the offender has now been jailed.
“Receiving this award is an honour and I’m grateful for the recognition”.
PC Gee said: “Having your work and achievements recognised formally is important and I’m very grateful to receive this award.”
Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling, who presented the duo with their gongs, said: “Simon and Michelle were confronted with what must have been a very frightening situation.
“The officers remained in control and their bravery and logical thinking resulted in an arrest with no injury to any party. Both are most deserving of this award, and I am extremely proud to have them serving in GMP.”