A five-month police investigation has led to the arrest of a 30-year-old man after a Leicestershire Police officer was hit by a car in Oakham town centre earlier this year.
The arrest follows an incident that took place shortly after 3:10 PM on Monday, 26 January, on Oakham's High Street.
According to police reports, two officers approached a grey Honda CRV that was parked illegally. When they attempted to speak with the driver, the man refused to engage and instead drove directly toward one of the officers.
The vehicle struck the officer, forcing him onto the bonnet before he landed on the pavement. Fortunately, the officer escaped serious injury, sustaining only minor cuts and grazes.
Before fleeing the scene, the Honda collided with two stationary vehicles. The car was later found abandoned on Harrington Way the same day.
Following extensive enquiries, officers made an arrest this morning (Saturday, 13 June). The suspect has been detained on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) and remains in police custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Jim Willoughby praised the persistence of the investigative team while highlighting the severity of the incident.
"For the past five months, officers have continued to work to identify and locate the person responsible for this incident," DI Willoughby said. "Luckily the officer was not seriously injured, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that he was driven at and hit by a car in order for the man to evade police."
"Today we have made an arrest in connection with the offence and the man in custody will now be questioned."
Leicestershire Police are still appealing to the public for any further information. Anyone who can assist with the ongoing investigation is urged to contact police by calling 101 or reporting online at www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime reference 26*50240.
