Dudley police officer awarded for bravery after supermarket knife ordeal
A brave Dudley police officer who was impaled after tackling a knife-wielding woman in a supermarket has been honoured with a special accolade.
Response Sergeant James Harrison was called to Asda supermarket in Dudley town centre in June 2017 – after it was reported that a woman was waving a knife around.
His team quickly evacuated the High Street store, as he attempted to find the woman and calm her down.#
She evaded his attempts, running from the supermarket aisle and in the direction of members of the public. Fearing the supermarket customers' safety, James tackled the woman before they both fell to the floor.
But, unbeknown to the sergeant, the woman had another knife hidden in her handbag – which impaled the officer in the leg as he fell to the ground.
Despite the serious injury, he managed to keep hold of the woman until other officers arrived to assist him, protecting innocent members of the public.
James was later taken to hospital where he received stitches for his leg wound. However, his brave and selfless actions meant no harm was brought to the woman or anyone else in the supermarket.
In a West Midlands Police awards ceremony on June 13, Sergeant Harrison was awarded a Chief Constable's Commendations.
Posting on Twitter, Sergeant Harrison said: "Very proud to have attended Chief Constables Award night and received a Chief Constables Commendation from Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe. Proud to part of West Midlands Police, hearing other tales of bravery and good work from officers staff and the public."
