Telegraph | Expat | British police hero is toast of New York

British police hero is toast of New York

By Marcus Warren in New York
(Filed: 28/10/2004)

A husband and wife duo of British police officers on a trip to New York were feted as heroes yesterday for tackling a man with a knife after a stabbing in a jewellery store.

Sgt Colin Webber of the Leicestershire Constabulary put the suspect, known locally as "Charlie the Bug", in a headlock, disarmed him and wrestled him to the pavement.

"I just jumped in and took him to the floor," Mr Webber, 37, said at a press conference.

"There wasn't really time to think about it and someone said 'Grab him', so I did. I may have been off duty but when something like that happens the adrenalin rushes and you just act."

Mr Webber, who was given a pair of cufflinks and earned front-page headlines in New York, said that all the fuss over his actions would "probably cost me a round of beer" when he got home.

His wife, Claire, 38, a constable with the same force, held back the crowd during the incident and kept the stabbing victim's relatives away from the suspect.

The only injury her husband suffered was a bruised arm, inflicted by a kick from the victim's brothers as they tried to attack the alleged knifeman, Abram Sariashvili.

The incident occurred as Mr and Mrs Webber were out for a walk in the West 47th Street diamond district of Manhattan. "My wife was trying to con me into buying a diamond necklace, actually," Mr Webber said.

The Webbers were outside a shop called Avianne's when they heard a commotion inside and the noise of breaking glass.

According to the police, Sariashvili, 44, became involved in an argument with Arsen Aranbayev, a 25-year-old merchant. Sariashvili then allegedly stabbed Mr Aranbayev.

Mr Webber, who is 6ft 2in tall, restrained and disarmed Sariashvili as he left the shop.

Sariashvili has been charged with attempted murder. Witnesses praised the British officer's actions and New York police arranged a briefing at their headquarters to express the city's gratitude.

Sam Oloumi, who witnessed the incident, said: "The English cop, he held him like a jujitsu fighter."

Ray Kelly, the city's police commissioner, said: "We could certainly use Mr Webber here. He did a great job and we very much appreciate it."

Mr Webber said: "Working as a police officer, you expect this sort of thing. As a tourist, you don't really see it." He said that he and his wife would visit New York again. Mrs Webber said: "I want to come back for the necklace."