British constable visits Durham 911 communicators who worked together save Ajax woman
Published June 15, 2022 at 4:52 pm
The British constable who worked with Durham Regional 911 operators to save an Ajax woman from a home invasion visited the communications team that made the rescue possible.
Back in February a man broke into the woman’s home and she reported the break-in online. However, she reached the live chat of the UK-based Durham Constabulary instead of the Durham Regional Police.
“The distraught victim had typed ‘I need help, he is going to come in, he is in the house’ before falling silent,” the Constabulary said in a release.
However, the British officers quickly realized the woman had reach the wrong force and called up their Canadian counterparts. Once DRPS learned of the situation they sent officer’s to the woman’s Audley Road and Taunton Road home.
On arrival a man bolted from the house. Officers pursued the man to a nearby yard where, after a skirmish, they tased and arrested him.
A 35-year-old man from Clarington was in custody within a half hour of the initial contact with British officers. The woman had be treated for injuries sustained during the break-in.
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“This was an unusual incident and a very distressing situation for the victim, but the team remained calm and managed to help our Canadian colleagues resolve the situation quickly and professionally,” said Inspector Andrea Arthur, head of the Constabulary control room.
“If we can assist in rescuing a vulnerable victim in immediate danger, regardless of where they live, we will do all we can to help. In this case, we’re glad to learn there has been an arrest and, more importantly, the victim is out of danger and receiving the help she needs,” she said.
Months later Durham Constable Steve Bunker came to Durham Region for a visit to meet the 911 operators who assisted with the rescue.
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