A SOUTH Yorkshire Police officer who chased a thief armed with a screwdriver has picked up a bravery award –\u00a0on crutches.<\/p>\n
PC Steve Howe, who suffered a broken leg in an unrelated incident, was said to have gone “above and beyond” what was expected of him “on many occasions”.<\/p>\n
PC Howe was off-duty in Barnsley when he chased a man he suspected had broken into a car and stolen a handbag.<\/p>\n
He chased the suspect through gardens and alleyways, while calling 999 to alert his colleagues who were on duty, until the man stopped and pulled a screwdriver out of his sleeve, threatening the officer.<\/p>\n
He was luckily not harmed and managed to pursue the suspect and finally make the arrest.<\/p>\n
PC Howe, who has served more than 30 years as a police officer, was honoured with a Bravery Award at the annual Barnsley district police awards.<\/p>\n
He was on crutches after being pushed over when he stepped into a dispute between a bus driver and a man who had spat at and threatened him.<\/p>\n
Chief Superintendent Tim Innes, who presented 13 awards in total, told PC Howe: “Your colleagues report that you have gone above and beyond what is expected of you on many occasions and this award is in recognition of a particular incident in Barnsley town centre.”<\/p>\n
He added: “I have no hesitation in awarding you this trophy in recognition of your courageous actions. You acted in the best traditions of the police service and are a credit to South Yorkshire Police.”<\/p>\n
PC Howe was born in Huddersfield and grew up in Linthwaite before joining South Yorkshire Police.<\/p>\n
Chief Constable David Crompton, Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings and Mayor of Barnsley Brian Mathers also attended the event.<\/p>\n
Ch Supt Innes described the “can-do attitude” of the award winners during their day-to-day work in Barnsley as “incredible”.<\/p>\n