AN off duty police officer from Linthwaite who was threatened with a screwdriver after chasing a thief has received a bravery award.
PC Steve Howe – who is currently off sick after suffering a broken leg when he was pushed over in an unrelated incident – was in Barnsley town centre when he began chasing the man who was suspected of breaking into a car and stealing a handbag.
The man ran off and PC Howe rang 999 to alert colleagues who were on duty, before chasing him through gardens and alleyways.
The man stopped and threatened PC Howe with the screwdriver. He then ran off again, chased by PC Howe, before being caught and arrested.
PC Howe was born in Huddersfield and grew up in Linthwaite before joining South Yorkshire police with whom he has completed more than 30 years service.
He collected the award at the annual Barnsley district police awards, where he was on crutches.
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He suffered a broken leg after being pushed over when he stepped in to a dispute between a bus driver and a man who had spat at and threatened him.
He was one of 13 officers to be presented with awards by Chief Supt Tim Innes who said: “Your colleagues report that you have gone above and beyond what is expected of you on many occasions.
“I have no hesitation in awarding you this trophy in recognition of your courageous actions.
“The can-do attitude of staff here is incredible and what I have seen is the heart of policing.”
