‘Courage and professionalism’ of officers responding to crossbow shooting praised by IOPC

Jason King, aged 54, was then shot once by a firearms officer during the incident on May 10, 2024 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, sustaining injuries that were not considered life-changing.

Unarmed Thames Valley Police response officers had been called to report of a stabbing involving two men at around 6pm.

The officers identified that the suspect, King, was inside his address. Armed officers were then sent to the scene after police became aware that he had access to swords in the property.

Prior to the arrival of firearms officers, King exited his property armed with a crossbow.

The force said: “King fired his crossbow at PC Curtis Foster, and it was clear it was a targeted attack as he was seen on various footage aiming the weapon at him.

“The crossbow bolt struck PC Foster in the leg, causing serious injuries.

“Thankfully, PC Foster has since made a full recovery.

“King later fired a bolt towards a police dog and handler, which did not make contact, and then aimed his crossbow at one of the armed response officers. It was clear that he intended to kill or serious injure them.”

Armed officers had arrived at around 6.25pm and – aware at this point that a colleague had been shot by a crossbow – located King in a nearby park, hiding behind a tree and holding the crossbow.

Officers instructed him to stay still, however, he ran out from behind the tree and an officer fired a single shot, which struck King in the abdomen. The attending officers provided first aid before he was transported to hospital by paramedics.

He was subsequently discharged from hospital later that month and was arrested by Thames Valley Police and charged with multiple offences.

King has since pleaded guilty to multiple offences, including section 18 wounding with intent against PC Foster and possession of a crossbow, and is due to be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on January 31, 2025.

Because a member of the public was injured, the force said a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC.

Following an investigation, the IOPC concluded that the officers had shown “courage, professionalism and sound judgment under pressure” in bringing the incident to a satisfactory conclusion”.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said: “It was only right that the incident was thoroughly investigated and police are held to scrutiny in such cases.

“I am pleased with the report’s conclusions that stated that our officers displayed immense courage and professionalism.

“In the opinion of the IOPC senior investigator, he stated that the actions of all officers involved in the firearms incident, including the shot fired by the armed response officer, were fully justified, proportionate and necessary, and brought the incident to a conclusion which protected the safety of our community and the officers who responded.

“He specifically wished to highlight this courage and sound judgment under pressure by all the officers involved in the response.

“This included the unarmed officers who initially confronted King and the armed response officer, who, in open space and with no cover, save for his own equipment, confronted King and, from a considerable distance, struck King – a moving target – with a single shot to the abdomen.

“The actions of our officers successfully minimised the harm to King while also eliminating the significant threat that he posed to those around him.

“I would also like to stress that the IOPC investigation has concluded that officers appropriately dealt with an incident involving King on May 9, the day before the firearms incident.

“This incident involved a neighbourhood dispute, but there was no evidence that a crime had been committed and officers took appropriate steps to resolve the matter.

“It goes without saying that I am very proud of everybody who has been involved in this case, which was clearly dealt with, with utmost professionalism and dedication to duty.

“Our officers go to work every day to protect our communities, and this case highlights the dangers they face in their line of duty.

“I would like to thank, on behalf of the local community and the force, this dedication to duty which brought a significant and highly dangerous incident to a safe conclusion.”

The IOPC investigation looked at the actions and decisions of the officers involved, including the decision to shoot King, and the aftercare provided to him.

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer said it was clear that the officers were responding to a highly dangerous situation: “This was a frightening incident for the officers involved and I want to recognise their courage, professionalism and sound judgment under pressure.

“The officers were dealing with a dangerous man who had stabbed a neighbour before chasing and shooting an officer with a crossbow. I want to particularly acknowledge the actions of the unarmed officers who first confronted King and the firearms officer who discharged their weapon, which prevented any further risk of harm to the public and his police colleagues.

“Given the threat posed by King at the time the shot was fired, it was our view that the officer’s decision to shoot was necessary, proportionate and justified in the circumstances.”

The IOPC investigation also established that TVP officers had spoken to King the previous day (May 9) following an incident involving a neighbourhood dispute.

It said: “There was no evidence that a crime had been committed and officers took steps to appropriately resolve the matter. We found that the officers who attended this incident acted satisfactorily.

“The officers involved were all treated as witnesses and at the conclusion of our investigation, no conduct issues were identified for any officer.”