A fleet-footed police officer has been caught on camera sprinting after a wanted burglar who tried to flee during a botched late-night raid.
Michael Hudson, 42, was arrested after officers interrupted an attempted theft at a car dealership in Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The burglar had been joined by Jonathan Swift, 33, and Stefan Aird, who were also caught by police.
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Footage shows the officer racing across the yard after the trio abandoned a damaged vehicle and tried to make a run for it.
The impressive burst of speed helped officers bring Hudson into custody, with his two accomplices rounded up nearby seconds later, as reported by Need To Know.
Hudson was already wanted for a string of offences when he was caught attempting to steal car parts.
Detectives subsequently linked him to 14 other burglary and theft offences committed during a nine-day crime spree across Newark between November 19 and 28 last year.
He was responsible for at least four burglaries targeting two homes and two businesses, as well as being linked to further break-ins and attempted burglaries.
Hudson also stole cash, jewellery, clothes, mobile phones and other electronic items, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
He carried out four shop thefts and stole a truck and a bicycle during the same period.
Hudson eventually pleaded guilty to four counts of burglary, four shop thefts, theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle and theft of a pedal cycle.
He was sentenced to five years and five months in prison at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, October 9.
Cliff Bunch, 30, who admitted teaming up with Hudson in a burglary and committing a separate garage break-in, was jailed for three years.
Swift received a one-year community order and was ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, while Aird received a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Detective Sergeant James Hirst, of Nottinghamshire Police, said Hudson had shown “a complete disregard for the law” during the crime spree.
He added: “Having managed to evade the police for around a month, Hudson’s downfall came when he tried – and failed – to outrun our officers when he was caught trying to steal from a car dealership.”
The video of the foot chase was viewed over 97,000 times, with users flocking to react.
One person said: “Very fast officer speedy Gonzales.”
Another user added: “Fantastic work by these policemen.”
Joseph joked: “Defo had new trainers on and wanted to show all his mates how fast they were!”
Another person said: “Great sprint after him officer. Nice one stay safe.”
One user said: “Well done. The officer runs very fast.”
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