Police search for man who spat on officer

Friday, 20 December 2024 14:23

Jersey Police are appealing for witnesses as they search for a man who spat in the face of an officer.

What has been described as an 'intentional' and 'unprovoked' assault took place at 4.55pm last Wednesday (11 December).

The male, dressed in a black jacket and blue hooded top, was riding an e-scooter when he pulled up to the officer in his vehicle, before spitting at them through the car window.

Police have released bodycam footage of the incident, which occurred along St Aubin's Road towards Cheapside:

🎄 All we want for Christmas... We're sharing body-worn footage of a spitting incident against one of our officers—an act that's both deeply disrespectful and poses serious health risks. A male, who was dressed in a black jacket, a blue hooded top and riding a push/e-scooter, intentionally spat in the face of an Officer on patrol. This was entirely unprovoked. The assault occurred at approximately 16:55 on Wednesday 11th December 2024, when the Officer was driving a marked patrol vehicle along St. Aubin’s Road (near the Pet Cabin) towards Cheapside. The Chief of Police, Robin Smith would like to add: "I'm sure all Islanders will share my disgust that one of our patrolling officers should stop to offer assistance only to be spat on. We need your help in identifying this individual. If you do, please contact States of Jersey Police and we will do the rest. Thank you.' Seen anything? Know something? Alternatively, if the individual wishes to get in touch with us, we'll welcome this approach. Contact police on 01534 612612 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk-org quoting police reference number M010431/2024. #StopTheSpit
Posted by States of Jersey Police on Friday, December 20, 2024

This assault follows a rise in spitting at police officers, with 2024 being the worst year for the crime type on record.

Chief of Police Robin Smith condemned the assault:

"The rise in spitting incidents against our officers is deeply concerning. Such acts are not only highly disrespectful but also pose significant health risks.

"We urge the community to support our officers by reporting any incidents and providing any information that could help us identify and apprehend the offenders. We maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy towards any assaults on our staff.

"I'm sure all islanders will share my disgust that one of our patrolling officers should stop her police car to offer assistance only to be spat on.

"We need your help in identifying this individual. If you do, please do contact States of Jersey Police and we will do the rest. Thank you."

Zoomed in shot of man police are looking for