The National Police Air Service helicopter from Bournemouth was called into action overnight to assist Police with a suspect search near Sandown.
Local residents were awoken from their beds at just gone midnight when the helicopter was scrambled to circle the skies between Brading and Sandown to assist officers on the ground with the search for a wanted male.
It wasn’t long before officers detained the suspect following a short chase, thanks to the assistance of dog units and the eye in the sky.
It remains unclear as to why the individual was being pursued, but it is thought a vehicle may have been pulled over near to Avenue Road
The search centred on the Morton Common area.
UPDATE @ 12:30 – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that a 25-year-old man from Brading was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, possession of cannabis, escaping lawful custody and vehicle interference.
At around 23:30 the individual – who was riding a motorcycle – was stopped by officers on Broadway, Sandown and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and being in the possession of cannabis. However, he managed to flea the scene sparking a large scale search.
The man was eventually found and detained in nearby Perowne Way, where he was arrested on suspicion of further offences including escaping from lawful custody and vehicle interference.
The unnamed 25-year-old remains in Police custody but will not face any charge in relation to the suspected drink driving offence.
UPDATE – 25-year-old Ryan Brunsdon of High Street, Brading has been charged with resisting a constable in the execution of their duty and possession of a Class B drug.
He is to appear before the Isle of Wight Magistrates Court on 5th September.
