http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/west-midlands-police-reveal-reason-13050964Armed police descended on a taxi at a busy crossroads in Moseley Village after receiving intelligence that the passengers may have had a firearm.
The drama - captured on film by another motorist - involved four unmarked cars stopping the vehicle on the Alcester Road just before 7.30pm on Tuesday.
Around a dozen officers pointed guns at the taxi before speaking to two women, aged 18 and 21, and a 25-year-old man, and searching the cab.
All three were then allowed to go on their way.
Alcester Road was closed for about half an hour at the crossroads while the incident was dealt with.
Witness Dan Donnelly, 24, watched the drama unfold from his nearby flat.
He said: “It was very dramatic. Around 12 armed officers burst out of unmarked cars.
“They pointed their guns at the car and a man got out.
“He appeared to be very agitated and was kicking up a fuss.
“There were also police dogs at the scene who were barking.
“Two women also got out of the vehicle and were taken aside and questioned.
“The man was then taken off in a police car.
“The whole incident took around half an hour before the road was reopened again.”
Another witness told the Mail: “A lot of people were watching the incident but I left quickly because I was concerned the suspect may have returned fire and God knows what would have happened then.
“I heard a noise and I initially thought it was a road rage incident.
“It was like something off the TV."
“They were shouting: ‘Get down’ at him.”
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “Armed officers intercepted a taxi in Alcester Road, Moseley, just before 7.30pm on May 16 after West Midlands Police received intelligence the passengers may be in possession of a firearm.
“Two women aged 18 and 21, plus a 25-year-old man, were taken from the vehicle and spoken to while the car was searched.
“No firearms were found in the car and the three were allowed to go on their way.”
Login
Register
FAQ
