Members of the public stepped in to restrain a man who was allegedly drink driving, after a serious collision in Leigh-on-Sea that left another driver with two fractured bones in their foot.
The incident happened at around 11.45am on 20 December, close to a children’s playground. According to reports, the driver had collided with two other vehicles before attempting to leave the scene.
During the aftermath of the crash, one of the drivers was struck with a vehicle as the suspect tried to drive away. Their foot was run over, and they were later taken to hospital, where an X-ray confirmed two fractures.
Two other men realised what was happening and worked to restrain the driver at the scene, suspecting he was drunk, while police were called.
Officers arrived and required the suspected drink driver to provide a roadside breath sample. The test returned a reading of 85, which is more than double the legal drink-drive limit. The driver was arrested at the scene and later charged with drink driving, according to reports.
An eyewitness, Sarah Brightman, said:
“I was at the children’s playground at the time and witnessed the incident unfold. A drunk driver rear-ended an SUV and then attempted to drive off. In doing so, he struck the SUV driver with his open driver’s door. It appeared the man was partially dragged or pinned under the door.
“The person who was hit managed to partially get into the vehicle and force it to a stop, preventing the driver from escaping. He then removed the drunk driver from the car.”
Anthony, the victim who had their foot crushed, described a chaotic and dangerous sequence of events as the driver attempted to flee:
“Following the initial collision, it was immediately apparent that the driver was intoxicated and struggling to stand. I informed him that I was calling the police, at which point he attempted to flee the scene in his BMW i3, reversing with the driver’s door still open.
“During this attempt to escape, my right foot became trapped beneath the open door and the vehicle, resulting in serious injury. In the process, he also collided with a Ford Ranger that had stopped to offer assistance.
“Despite the ongoing danger, I was able to reach into the vehicle, apply the brake and place it into park while the driver was still attempting to drive away. Members of the public then intervened, restraining the driver as he became aggressive and violent towards those trying to help.
“I would like to thank the members of the public who stopped to assist and helped ensure the situation was brought under control.”
The incident happened during a national drink and drug driving crackdown, which Essex Police are taking part in throughout December.
As part of the campaign, officers from the Essex Roads Policing Unit have been carrying out targeted patrols across Essex to identify drivers suspected of being over the legal limit and to prevent behaviour that puts other road users at risk.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said:
“Driving under the influence has been a key factor in some of the most serious collisions on Essex’s roads this year.
“My officers continue to see a worryingly high number of people who think it is acceptable to get behind the wheel with alcohol or drugs in their system. Both can stay in your system much longer than you think so you may not even realise you’re over the limit.
“My message is clear – if you drink or drug drive, you can expect to be stopped and arrested.
“If you’re arrested you could lose your licence and that could mean you lose your job. If you lose your job, you could lose your home. And that could mean you lose your family. Even more than that you could lose your life or be responsible for taking someone else’s.”