Man slashed out with a knife at PC trying to help him
A MAN reported missing slashed out with a knife at a police officer who was going over to him to check he was safe.
PC Mark Thomas had been tasked on November 16 to look for Jack Griffiths, who had been reported missing a short time earlier and was believed to be walking along the A48 in Cross Hands.
The Dyfed-powys Police roads policing officer pulled into a car park when he spotted someone matching the 18-yearold’s description.
Concerned for his safety, as he was next to the dual carriageway, PC Thomas first called out to Griffiths and then began to approach him.
“As I was within reaching distance, he started running and withdrew something from his clothes”, said PC Thomas.
“I didn’t immediately realise that it was a silver kitchen knife.
“As I got closer, he turned towards me and swung the knife at me in a slashing motion across my chest.
“I would say inches away.
“I pushed him to the floor to try and stop him, and he fell to the ground, swinging the knife at me again - this time slashing across my shins.”
Concerned he had been injured, PC Thomas’s colleague, PC Leighton this was
Webb, chased after Griffiths who tried to escape over a fence.
PC Thomas, concerned about the danger posed to the public, then used his Taser on Griffiths.
He was arrested by PC Webb, who waded into a river to reach him.
Later it was found that PC Thomas had sustained only minor injuries during the incident, and was able to remain on duty.
But he warned: “Now
I have had time to start to process this incident I can’t quite believe what happened.
“I’m thankful that the knife Griffiths used to assault me wasn’t sharper, or he could have seriously injured my legs and chest.
“I dread to think what some of the potential consequences of this incident could have been.”
Griffiths was later charged with threatening a person with a blade or sharply pointed article in a public place, and was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months.
He must complete a rehabilitation requirement of 20 days, pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £128 and compensation of £200.
Following sentencing, PC Thomas added: “Although I am a police officer, I do not go to work to be threatened, or to fear for my safety at the hands of someone with a weapon.
“I attended the call to try and help, and this was how he repaid me.”