Bodycam footage has captured the terrifying moment police officers confronted a man armed with a chainsaw. Officers were called to a property in the Wildmill area of Bridgend on July 24, 2024 after reports that a man had self harmed and was covered in blood.
Suspect Under the Influence
Tony Gillespie, 41, from Bridgend, was under the influence of substances and had been threatening members of the public as well as officers from inside his home, where several windows had been smashed. Within minutes Gillespie held up a chainsaw, turned it on and began brandishing it both inside the property and towards officers through the broken windows.
Officers Praised for Bravery
The officers who attended the incident have now been praised for their “exceptional bravery” during the incident. Police Sergeant Peter Williams has been praised for remaining calm, professional, and focused on preventing harm to the public, his officers, and the man himself.
Through a smashed window, Sergeant Williams deployed his Taser and his colleague, PC Matthew Reynolds, forced entry through the barricaded door, took possession of the still-running chainsaw, and detained the man. The "outstanding bravery, leadership, and professionalism" of both officers and PC Gareth Green who also confronted Gillespie has been recognised by the South Wales Police Federation.
Sentencing
Gillespie appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on January 20, 2025 where he was sentenced to 10 months in prison for affray, criminal damage to a property under £5,000 and threatening a person with an offensive weapon.
