Hero police dog handler tells how he thought he’d be KILLED chasing gunman who pointed 9mm pistol at him as shooter gang is jailed for total of more than 30 years
- Mucktar Khan pointed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun at Pc Elwood in 2020
- Khan and four accomplices had been involved in a shooting in Woolwich
- The four men aged between 21 and 23 were convicted of possession of a gun
- Speaking after the case, PC Elwood said he feared for his life during the chase
This is the moment a police officer chasing a suspect has a 9mm pistol pointed directly at him during a foot pursuit.
PC Elwood followed the gunman on foot following a shooting at a recording studio in Woolwich, south London in November 2020.
During the chase, which was captured on body cam, the suspect Mucktar Khan, turned and pointed a Turkish Retay 9mm semi-automatic handgun at PC Elwood and his dog, PD Cruz.
Khan made some ground after pointing the gun at PC Elwood, but as soon as he turned the next corner he was confronted by several firearms officers who arrested him.
Khan and three of his accomplices where jailed for a combined total of more than 30 years.
Mucktar Khan, 23, pictured, pointed a 9mm semi-automatic handgun at PC Elwood and PD Cruz following a shooting in Woolwich, south east London on November 3, 2020. He was jailed for eight years following a five-week trial at Croydon Crown Court
Myiles Brown, 22, was jailed for seven years and six months after he was convicted of possession of a firearm
Joshua Fasoro, 21, received an eight year and six month jail term after his DNA was linked to the recovery of a revolver in 2019
Don-Juan Newman, 23, was jailed for seven years and six months for his role in the crime
Khan, pictured right, pointed a semi-automatic handgun directly at PC Elwood who was giving chase
Speaking after the trial, PC Elwood said: ‘When the gun was pointed directly at my face my instant reaction was to turn away in fear, I thought I was about to be killed. However I continued to chase after them as they are dangerous individuals who needed removing from the streets. Had I not have continued to chase after them then they would have got away and still had access to a deadly firearm.
‘The presence of two police dogs during this incident was instrumental. One of the dogs found a discarded firearm and another played a significant role in capturing one of the suspects.
‘I joined the police so I could stop violent and dangerous criminals who pose a risk to society from causing harm to communities and this case is a classic example of that.’
Croydon Crown Court heard that on Monday, November 3, 2020, police were called following a shooting at a recording studio on Woolwich Church Street, SE18. A woman and a man were injured after the gunman fired three shots at a group of people.
The gunman and his accomplices tried to escape in a stolen car. According to Scotland Yard, the gang crashed into a parked car and tried to escape on foot.
Officers recovered two magazines with live ammunition, three large Rambo knives and a machete.
Five members of the gang abandoned the car but police have so far failed to identify the fifth suspect.
Three other members of the gang, Myiles Brown, Joshua Fasoro and Don-Juan Newman, were arrested by armed officers hiding nearby.
Following a five-week trial at Croydon Crown Court, Khan, 23, who pointed the gun at PC Elwood was jailed for nine years having been convicted of possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm with intent.
His co-accused, 22-year-old Myiles Brown from Brixton received a seven year and six month jail term following his conviction of possession of a prohibited firearm.
Joshua Fasoro, 21, from Brixton was also convicted of possession of a firearm. When officers tested his DNA, he was also linked to the recovery of a revolver in an electrical cupboard in 2019. He was jailed for eight years and six months.
Police Dog Cruz followed Khan as he unwittingly ran in the direction of a group of armed officers
Don-Juan Newman, 23, also from Brixton, received a seven years and six months’.
All four were acquitted of the attempted murder of the man and the woman.
The investigation was led by detectives from Operation Trident.
Detective Constable Andy Brackley from Trident said: ‘The actions of these four men that night were brazen and extremely reckless. We don’t believe the two victims shot that night were the intended targets and it is only down to sheer luck that their injuries were not fatal. Although both have recovered they are both still suffering with the long-term health implications caused by their injuries.
‘It was the immediate and coordinated response of the officers that night that led to us capturing these dangerous offenders. Tackling violence is the Met’s number one priority and our plans are strong, with highly trained and skilled officers responding to incidents when they do occur.
‘The footage from the officer’s body worn camera is shocking and displays the bravery and dedication officers can sometimes face. PD Cruz was also instrumental that evening in apprehending one of the offenders.’
Scotland Yard said in 2021/22 officers recovered 557 firearms from the street.
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