An off-duty Dorset Police officer, who restrained a dangerous individual wielding an activated electric saw, has been nominated for a National Police Bravery Award.
In August 2023, Police Constable Demar Rowe, while off duty and travelling to work, noticed a man walking in front of traffic and attempting to lie down in the middle of Golf Links Road in Ferndown.
The man was extremely agitated over a flat tyre. PC Rowe pulled over in his vehicle over and spoke to him, with the aim of keeping him away from the road and passers-by.
The man then walked back towards his vehicle, pulled out an electric saw and activated it. The blade of the saw was over a foot in length, and the man swung the saw around towards PC Rowe before turning it on to himself in an attempt to harm himself.
Despite having no protective equipment or handcuffs, PC Rowe knew he had to prevent the man from harming himself or other members of the public, who were walking nearby.
As he continued to shout and swing the electric saw around, PC Rowe noticed a decorating sheet in the back of the vehicle.
He used this to cover the man, distracting him long enough so he could grapple the electric saw out of his hands and hold him in a bear hug grip to prevent him moving or being able to cause further injury to himself or others.
PC Rowe shouted he was an off-duty officer, asked for someone to call the police and a short time later another off-duty officer joined him. PC Rowe continue to restrain the man until marked units arrived on scene. The man was detained and taken to a hospital to receive the most appropriate care.
PC Rowe stated after the incident he had never been so happy to hear the police sirens as he had nothing left in the tank. He had been interacting with and restraining the male for around 20 minutes alone.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “I am immensely proud of Demar. Even though he was off-duty, Demar put himself in harm’s way to safeguard not only the individual involved, but other nearby members of public.
“His actions that day are nothing short of remarkable and I am so proud that he is a member of our force.
“He is an inspiration and epitomises the very best of policing and our vision of making Dorset a safe county for everyone. I am delighted that his incredible bravery has been recognised with this prestigious award nomination. We wish him the very best of luck.”
The National Police Bravery Awards 2025 ceremony will take place in July.