Teen gunman who ‘does not commit crimes’ involved in Wednesbury armed shootout
A teenage gunman involved in a shootout following a high-speed pursuit in Sandwell has been put behind bars. Joshua Edwards was driving a black Volkswagen Golf, which hit other cars in Wood Green Road in Wednesbury, on Tuesday, January 16 following an ‘armed pursuit with two other cars’.
The cars were at the busy Wood Green Road and Woden Road East when shots were fired from the Golf at a Volkswagen Passat. Those in the Passat shot back at the Golf.
The Golf then came to a stop and those inside were witnessed ‘running in the street wielding weapons. They were then picked up by another vehicle, a Jeep.
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The chase was captured on CCTV and several members of the public also witnessed the incident, which West Midlands Police said ‘proved pivotal in securing a conviction’. A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We traced the Golf back to Edwards and he was arrested by officers.
“During interview, Edwards admitted presence within the Golf but claimed he was forced into his actions and that his mobile phone was stolen during the incident.” Later it was revealed he used his mobile several times that evening.
He also denied any weapons being brandished from the Golf and claimed he ‘does not commit crimes’. But the 19-year-old of Biddlestone Grove, Yew Tree, Walsall was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life or enable another to do so, following a trial in July. He was jailed for 11 years.
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Detective Constable Ryan Stokes said “Firearms were discharged in broad daylight, carelessly risking the lives of innocent people. Miraculously, no one was injured but it could easily have been a different outcome.
“I would like to thank the public who have played a key role in securing a significant jail sentence for Edwards. Weapons have no place in our communities and those who think it’s acceptable to use them will face the full force of the law.”