Teenager crashed into building in Peterborough city centre
Mohammed Halani narrowly missed pedestrians during dangerous driving
A 19-year-old driver, Mohammed Halani, crashed into a building in Peterborough city centre, nearly hitting pedestrians as he attempted to evade police.
The incident took place around 1pm on 24th May when Halani, driving an Audi S3, failed to stop for officers in Lincoln Road.
He proceeded to drive recklessly, disregarding traffic signs and posing a danger in the busy area.
Police reduced their speed to maintain a safe distance from the Audi due to the presence of pedestrians.
Despite this, Halani lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a building on Westgate, forcing two people to leap to safety.
Following the crash, Halani fled through Queensgate shopping centre and tried to hide in a Cowgate restaurant.
He was quickly apprehended with assistance from CCTV operators, who tracked him to a table in the restaurant.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the collision captured on CCTV footage.
At Peterborough Magistrates' Court on 28th July, Halani, from Audley Gate, Netherton, admitted charges of failing to stop, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance.
He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work, and 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
Additionally, he was disqualified from driving for two years.
PC Martyn Chapman commented on the incident, highlighting how narrowly pedestrians escaped harm: “This was a shocking incident that could easily have been far worse. A matter of milliseconds was the difference between at least two people being seriously injured – or worse.”
For more details and to view the pursuit footage, visit the police YouTube channel.