Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Sunday 2nd March 2025, at 15:15hrs
He will be sentenced at a later date at Birmingham Crown Court
A Birmingham drug dealer has been found guilty of wounding and assault after deliberately driving his car into two police officers in Walsall, leaving one with serious leg injuries.
Saqib Ali, 29, of Mere Road, Birmingham, was convicted following a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, which concluded this week.
The harrowing incident occurred on the morning of February 24th last year, when officers spotted Ali asleep at the wheel of a parked Vauxhall Astra on Reservoir Place. Upon approaching the vehicle, officers suspected Ali was under the influence of drugs or alcohol due to his red eyes.
PC Bull, who initially engaged with Ali, attempted to detain him for a search. However, Ali abruptly put the vehicle into gear and drove forward, trapping PC Kidd against the police van and pinning PC Bull’s door against the vehicle.
The distressing scene, captured on body-worn camera footage, showed officers pleading with Ali to stop as they were trapped and injured.
After approximately 30 seconds, Ali reversed, freeing PC Kidd but continuing to struggle with PC Bull. Despite falling away from the vehicle, PC Bull managed to reopen the driver’s door and deployed his taser. Ali then fled the scene, turning onto Darlaston Road.
Both officers were hospitalized following the incident. PC Bull sustained tissue damage and bruising, while PC Kidd suffered severe leg injuries requiring surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Ali was apprehended the following day on Nelson Street in Oldbury, where he was found seated in a Volkswagen Passat with another man. A search of Ali revealed a plastic bag containing crack cocaine. He had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Detective Sergeant Phil Hinton, from the Major Crime Unit, condemned Ali’s actions, stating, “This was a very distressing incident for all officers involved, with two officers left injured. Bodycam footage captured the shocking incident but it also proved to be vital as a crucial part of the evidence in this case.”
He added, “Ali was quickly apprehended, brought before the court and now faces years behind bars following his conviction.”
Ali was found guilty of wounding and Section 47 assault. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by police officers in the line of duty, and the determination of West Midlands Police to bring offenders to justice.
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