Bodycam shows moment fugitive armed robber is caught on way to buy Call of Duty

Watch: Fugitive armed robber caught en route to buy video game

A fugitive armed robber was caught on the run as he accompanied a friend to buy Call of Duty to pass the time in lockdown.

Bodycam footage shows officers come across Clint Butler in Birmingham and ask why he was out. He then kicks one in the groin before being restrained.

Police used incapacitant spray and arrested him with the help of nearby security staff.

Butler had been serving a 17-year extended sentence for crimes including robbery and firearms offences – due to finish in 2024 – having fled HMP Spring Hill in Buckinghamshire in November 2020.

He was with a friend when PCs Mark Owen and Allison Brown spotted the pair change direction upon seeing the officers on 13 January.

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PC Owen asked Butler, 36, why he was out, and his friend said: "I've come to get the new Call of Duty because I can't sit around in lockdown."

Butler then lashed out, punching PC Brown in the face, but gave up after being sprayed.

He initially gave a false name and admitted having cannabis on him, but officers quickly realised who he really was.

He was given 13 months in prison for absconding and six months for assaulting the officers.

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Superintendent Nick Rowe said: "This was great work by our officers, acting on instinct that there was something not quite right and then challenging the men.

"The situation escalated really quickly, but both PCs put their training to good effect by restraining Butler, subduing him and getting him safely in handcuffs, while also calling for back-up from officers nearby.

"I’d like to thank the security staff who came to help our officers.

"Quite why he decided to risk being returned to prison by making the idiotic decision to come into town during lockdown with a friend to buy a video game will remain a bit of a mystery."

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