Police dog in motorway chase to track down M4 crash driver who ‘did a runner’
A man who crashed into the central reservation of the M4 and then 'did a runner' was tracked down by a police dog in chase.
The incident, which took place on the motorway near Swindon, saw one driver smash their vehicle into the barrier.
Officers then said the driver "tried to do a runner" following the incident.
However, Police Dog Conan, who is part of the Wiltshire Police Dog Unit, was able to successfully track down the fleeing motorist, who was then removed from the busy road. Advertisement Advertisement
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Wiltshire Police say the work of dogs such as PD Conan is "vital" in keeping the public safe, and the force has now publicly praised the hound for his quick work.
Police Dog Conan is a key member of the force's Police Dog Unit (Image: Wiltshire Police) A spokesperson for the police force said: "When an offender tried to do a runner after crashing into the central reservation on the M4 they probably thought they were home free. "PD Conan had other ideas.
"Conan tracked them down and made sure we could get him off the road."
This isn't the first time PD Conan has been recognised for his bravery and service.
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The police dog, who has been with Wiltshire Police since 2020, was previously credited for locating a man hiding under a lorry with a number of stolen items during his first few months with the force.
The arrest, which took place on Burford Avenue, saw four police officers assaulted and spat on.
"PD Conan was able to quickly pick up a scent in the area and locate a man hiding under a lorry who may have otherwise gone unnoticed by a human nose," said Dog Section Manager Ian Partington, speaking in 2020.
The police dog was also responsible for catching burglary suspects in Swindon who attempted to run from a crime scene in February 2023. Advertisement Advertisement
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Upon seeing the hound approach, one of the suspects decided to stop and surrender himself to custody rather than be chased by Conan.
Police Dog Conan, pictured in 2023 (Image: Wiltshire Police Dogs) In April 2024, another M4 chase, which PD Conan assisted in, led to the arrest of a man from Swansea.
In that same month, Conan helped arrest a man charged with rape in Swindon, preventing the suspect from fleeing the scene.
Speaking previously, Crime[1] Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: "The dog unit is a huge asset to Wiltshire Police.
"They are an integral part of our force, carrying out incredibly important work such as finding missing or wanted people and discovery of items such as drugs, cash or firearms.
"They play a huge role in keeping Wiltshire safe."