NPAS crew helps bring dangerous driver to justice with aerial pursuit and arrest

Wednesday 25 June 2025

A dangerous driver who led police on a high-speed pursuit through Northumberland was arrested thanks to the swift and coordinated efforts of the National Police Air Service (NPAS) and Northumbria Police.

Joshua Fellows, 26, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting to dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. The incident, which occurred in April, saw Fellows flee from officers in a black Mercedes E220, reaching dangerous speeds and narrowly avoiding multiple collisions.

The pursuit ended when Fellows abandoned his vehicle - disabled by a stinger device - and attempted to escape on foot across open fields. An NPAS Newcastle crew, which had been tracking the pursuit from the air, acted decisively. The helicopter hovered low, allowing a Tactical Flight Officer to jump from the aircraft and chase down the suspect, leading to his arrest.

Chief Inspector Sarah Whitworth of NPAS praised the professionalism and adaptability of the crew.

“Our crews are an integral part of the wider policing team who not only have the advantage of speed, and a unique overview of a situation as it develops, but they are also experienced police officers and staff who are committed to tackling criminality and keeping our communities safer.

"It isn’t unusual for our crews to land to help with a situation when they see an opportunity to do so, whether that be to help a missing person, or, in this case, arrest an offender.

"This is a great example of how our police teams will always work to get the job done.”

NPAS Regional Operations Manager Temp Insp Phil Emmerson, a trained Tactical Flight Officer who oversees the operations at our northern bases, including NPAS Newcastle, added: 

“We are trained to deplane whilst the aircraft is in a hover. But it takes the skill of the pilot and support of the crew to make sure we always operate safely.

“As police officers we will do everything we can to assist our colleagues on the ground and, most importantly, take the necessary action to ensure the safety of the public. It isn’t every day that a flight ends with a chase on foot across fields but we were just happy to be able to help." 

NPAS provides vital support to police forces across England and Wales, offering rapid response, aerial intelligence and operational oversight that enhances public safety and ensures offenders are brought to justice.