By Isle of Wight ObserverA Brading man has been arrested for a firearms and driving offence after armed officers fired potentially lethal rounds.
Armed police responding to a domestic incident fired “baton rounds” in the course of detaining a suspect with an imitation fire arm on Thursday morning (October 4) at 1.26am in Forest Way, Winford.
Baton rounds or kinetic energy projectiles have the potential for lethal consequences in certain circumstances according the College of Policing.
They are limited to authorised officers who have been specifically trained in use of the approved 37mm soft nosed impact projectiles.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Upon arrival officers assessed the threat, harm, and risk, and utilised baton rounds (attenuating energy projectiles) to detain a 45-year-old man. An imitation firearm was also recovered.
“The 45-year-old man from Brading was arrested on suspicion of a firearms offence and a driving offence and remains in custody at this time.”
Updated October 5: “David Soppitt, aged 45, of Forest Way was subsequently charged with driving a motor vehicle when alcohol limit above limit and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
“He has been remanded to appear at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on Friday (October 5).”
