Teenager Gets Dad to Help Evade Police in Dramatic Chase
A daring teenager took desperate measures to avoid police capture, even enlisting the help of his father during a hair-raising pursuit. O’Shay Rhoden, 19, not only led officers on a dangerous chase but also convinced his father to obstruct a police vehicle in a bid to evade arrest. The high-stakes chase unfolded in Newport on March 23 this year and culminated in a series of risky manoeuvres by the young driver.
Rhoden, who was already wanted by the police for an unrelated matter, was spotted driving through Clifford Crescent in a black Mercedes by an alert officer. As officers attempted to intercept him, Rhoden made a bold move by reversing into West Street, evading the authorities momentarily. However, his reckless actions did not end there.
The pursuit escalated as Rhoden drove through various streets, causing chaos and endangering others in the process. Police officers identified the teenager behind the wheel and initiated a chase that lasted for an intense 11 minutes. Rhoden’s erratic driving was captured on police dash cam footage, showcasing the gravity of the situation.
In a bid to throw off the pursuing officers, Rhoden darted onto the Southern Distributor Road and navigated through residential areas at alarmingly high speeds. The situation took a dramatic turn when Rhoden’s father intervened by standing in front of a police car, allowing his son to flee the scene. This daring move added another layer of complexity to the unfolding events.
Despite his father’s efforts to delay the police, Rhoden continued to drive recklessly, putting himself and others at risk. The teenager resorted to dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, drove the wrong way on roundabouts, and even drove on grass verges in a bid to shake off the pursuing officers. His actions culminated in a collision with a police vehicle, leading to significant damage and the car being written off.
Following the tense chase, Rhoden was apprehended and detained by law enforcement. During his arrest, he made threatening remarks towards the officers, illustrating the audacity and recklessness of his actions. Rhoden’s subsequent confession revealed his blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.
In a court hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, Rhoden pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. The court learned of his troubling history, including previous convictions for a string of offences, ranging from drug-related incidents to motoring violations. Despite his youth and mitigating factors, Rhoden’s actions were deemed serious and deserving of significant repercussions.
Recorder Christian Jowett sentenced Rhoden to 14 months of detention at a young offenders institute and imposed a 55-month driving disqualification. The severity of the sentence reflects the gravity of Rhoden’s actions and the potential harm he posed to himself and the public. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the serious consequences that can follow such irresponsible behaviour.