In a harrowing encounter caught on bodycam, a police officer narrowly avoided a potentially fatal incident when Kyle Woods, 33, intentionally drove his van at the officer, known only as PC Wiley, leaving him with a fractured ankle and in “excruciating pain.”
The shocking footage shows Woods driving directly at PC Wiley, who was sent sprawling to the ground. The Greater Manchester Police officer had been visiting a Sale property regarding concerns about Woods. About an hour after leaving, PC Wiley saw Woods drive by and blocked his Vauxhall Movano from exiting the street. As PC Wiley exited his car to approach Woods, the latter suddenly accelerated through a narrow gap, striking the officer.
PC Wiley sustained a fractured ankle, along with numerous abrasions and cuts, and expressed ongoing suffering from the injuries in a victim impact statement. Following the May 5 incident, Woods was apprehended the next day and initially faced attempted murder charges.
These were later reduced when he admitted to assault and dangerous driving, resulting in a sentence of six years and four months behind bars.
Garry Crawford, senior crown prosecutor for CPS, stated: “Assaults against brave frontline officers are unacceptable and today’s result should leave would-be criminals in no doubt that those who attack police will face the full force of the law.
“In this harrowing incident, Woods drove his van into PC Wylie, ran over him and then fled the scene. In a moving victim impact statement, PC Wylie described feeling excruciating pain and explained that he is still suffering from the physical injuries months later.
“He also detailed the severe psychological impact of the incident, describing it as one of the most traumatic events of his life. The Crown Prosecution Service worked hard with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case including eyewitness testimony, CCTV footage and medical evidence.
“The strength of the evidence was such that Woods had little option but to admit what he had done. As Woods begins his prison sentence, I sincerely hope PC Wylie, who is now back serving the public, makes a full recovery.”
