Woman who arrived at scene of high speed crash to pick up teenage suspect arrested for drink driving

Their investigation into a suspected high-speed crash saw them successfully locate the pair with a little help from air support and the Northumbria Police dog unit.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, July 29, motor patrols officers were alerted to two Nissan vehicles, believed to be speeding on Dairy Lane in Houghton.

When they arrived at the scene they found an abandoned X Trail which had collided with a signpost. A quick search of the vehicle revealed a knife as well as a discarded hammer nearby.

Witnesses reported seeing the two occupants of the car flee the scene on foot and the determined officers ramped up the pursuit, calling on the support of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and their cannine colleagues friends from the force’s dog unit.

However, it was old-fashioned police work which led to the arrest of one of the suspects when a 17-year-old male was found hiding in a nearby garden.

A 26-year-old woman, who turned up at the scene allegedly to drive the teenager home, was also arrested – and has since been charged with driving with excess alcohol.

A third male, aged 22, who is believed to have been the driver of the abandoned X trail was also arrested and the investigation remains ongoing.

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison from Northumbria Police’s operations department praised the officers for their success in apprehending the suspects so quickly.

“This incident could have resulted in serious injury for those involved or for other unsuspecting motorists – but thankfully that was not the case,” she said

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“This was a really fast-paced job showcasing the very best of our teams and how they can work together to achieve positive results.

"Ultimately, good-old fashioned police work prevailed and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and speedy results,” she added.

The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police using the Tell us Something page on the force’s website, quoting log 89 290720.

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