A drug dealer has been jailed after assaulting an officer and causing a crash between two lorries by fleeing police.

Erjon Selivrada, 30, led officers on a 'dangerous' chase across the A34 in Newbury, but a helicopter tracked him down to a canal where police cornered and cuffed him.

He was jailed for 18 months at Reading Crown Court for numerous offences, including dealing cannabis, causing danger to road users and possessing an axe.

Upon completion of his prison sentence, which was handed to him on Tuesday (July 26), Selivrada, of no fixed abode, will be deported to Albania.

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Investigating officer, PC Angharad Lake, said: “To evade arrest, Selivrada assaulted a police officer and then ran across both carriageways of the A34, causing a road traffic collision between two HGVs.

Reading Chronicle: Erjon SelivradaErjon Selivrada

"It was only luck that meant no-one was seriously injured due to Selivrada’s dangerous actions.

“Some may consider dealing drugs to be a quick and easy way to make money, however this case demonstrates that Thames Valley Police will always take proactive steps to take drugs off our streets and put drug dealers behind bars.”

PC Lake said:“Due to the proactive work of our Roads Policing officers, Erjon Selivrada has been convicted of a number of serious offences and a large amount of Class B drugs being taken off the streets."

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Officers were conducting speed enforcement checks on the A34 in Newbury on January 13, when they spotted Selivrada’s vehicle exceeding the speed limit at about 11am.

Reading Chronicle:

Officers stopped Selivrada’s vehicle, after which he assaulted a police officer to try and escape.

He ran across both carriageways of the A34, causing a road traffic collision between two HGVs.

The National Police Air Service was called to the scene and Selivrada was located.

Reading Chronicle:

Following a search of Selivrada’s vehicle, 8kg of cannabis and an axe were found.

He pleaded guilty to:

  • Being concerned in the supply of class B, namely Cannabis
  • Possession of an offensive weapon
  • Assault with intent to resist arrest
  • Possession of criminal property
  • Causing danger to road users
  • Driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence
  • Use a motor vehicle on a road without third party insurance
  • Speeding