Pride of Australia: Gatton police officer Sgt Tony Harm nominated for bravery in pursuit
IT WAS a dramatic climax to a police chase as the fugitive tried to grab the pursuing officer’s gun. What happened next has resulted in a top honour for the cop.
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A POLICEMAN involved in a dramatic, televised chase during which an offender tried to grab his gun has insisted he was only doing his job and deserves no special recognition.
Sergeant Tony Harm said the other man was “serious” about escaping after allegedly leading police on a car chase that ended at Gatton in April.
“He tried to get away and he grabbed my service firearm,” said Sgt Harm, who has now been nominated for a Pride of Australia Heroism medal for his brave actions.
“At that point, I was fairly committed to ... seeing it through.”
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Holding on to the accused thief, the officer from Gatton station used capsicum spray and eventually a Taser, to subdue him.
He said that the “dynamic” struggle was all over in about 15 seconds.
The alleged offender was arrested and has been charged with more than 20 offences.
Footage of the chase and his subsequent struggle with the suspect made headlines but Sgt Harm said he felt “a bit embarrassed” by the fuss.
“It’s just what police do all the time. I was doing what I get paid to do,” said the 40-year-old. “It’s just important to get dangerous criminals off the street and keep the public safe, that’s all I was doing really.”
When told that he had been nominated, he said he felt a little embarrassed.
“I was the closest officer there on the scene and that’s my responsibility,” he said.
The 22-year veteran said he notified his family about the incident when he got home that afternoon.
“My wife was probably a bit concerned. She asks me to be careful – and I certainly try to be,” he said.
“You’ve just got to judge the risks and take the chances, I suppose.”
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