Police who shot High Wycombe crossbow shooter acted 'courageously'

Jason King is awaiting sentence for offences including wounding with intent and possession of a crossbow after he shot a police officer. 

The 54-year-old of School Close, Downley stabbed a neighbour before turning a crossbow on PC Foster who was responding to the incident. 

The crossbow bolt struck the officer's leg, causing serious injuries before King tried to turn the weapon on a police dog and its handler. 

READ MORE: Timeline as High Wycombe man admits police crossbow shooting

Armed officers arrived and shot King in the abdomen as he levelled the weapon at them, a decision that has now been described as courageous in a watchdog investigation. 

Following the incident on May 10 a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to a member of the public being injured. 

The investigation found officers acted 'courageously and professionally' in bringing the incident to an end.

Thames Valley Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Metcalfe said: “It was only right that the incident was thoroughly investigated and police are held to scrutiny in such cases.

“I am pleased with the report’s conclusions that stated that our officers displayed immense courage and professionalism.

“In the opinion of the IOPC senior investigator, he stated that the actions of all officers involved in the firearms incident, including the shot fired by the armed response officer, were fully justified, proportionate and necessary, and brought the incident to a conclusion which protected the safety of our community and the officers who responded.

“He specifically wished to highlight this courage and sound judgment under pressure by all the officers involved in the response."

Video shows the moment King, brandishing a crossbow, ran through a residential street in Downley, (Image: NQ)

PC Foster made a full recovery after the incident on School Close at around 6pm while King was treated at the scene by officers before being taken to hospital. 

The shooter pleaded guilty at Aylesbury Crown Court and is due to be sentenced on January 31, 2025. 

Thames Valley Police said it was 'clear that he intended to kill or seriously injure' officers adding that it was a 'targeted attack' after he was seen on various footage aiming the weapon at PC Foster. 

Assistant Chief Constable Metcalfe added: “This included the unarmed officers who initially confronted King and the armed response officer, who, in open space and with no cover, save for his own equipment, confronted King and, from a considerable distance, struck King - a moving target - with a single shot to the abdomen.

“The actions of our officers successfully minimised the harm to King while also eliminating the significant threat that he posed to those around him.

“I would also like to stress that the IOPC investigation has concluded that officers appropriately dealt with an incident involving King on 9 May, the day before the firearms incident.

“This incident involved a neighbourhood dispute, but there was no evidence that a crime had been committed and officers took appropriate steps to resolve the matter.

“It goes without saying that I am very proud of everybody who has been involved in this case, which was clearly dealt with, with utmost professionalism and dedication to duty.

“Our officers go to work every day to protect our communities, and this case highlights the dangers they face in their line of duty.

“I would like to thank, on behalf of the local community and the force, this dedication to duty which brought a significant and highly dangerous incident to a safe conclusion.”

READ MORE: Neighbour of High Wycombe crossbow shooter speaks out

IOPC regional director Mel Palmer added that it was clear that the officers were responding to a highly dangerous situation.

She said: “This was a frightening incident for the officers involved and I want to recognise their courage, professionalism and sound judgement under pressure.

“The officers were dealing with a dangerous man who had stabbed a neighbour before chasing and shooting an officer with a crossbow. I want to particularly acknowledge the actions of the unarmed officers who first confronted Mr King and the firearms officer who discharged their weapon, which prevented any further risk of harm to the public and his police colleagues.

“Given the threat posed by Mr King at the time the shot was fired, it was our view that the officer’s decision to shoot was necessary, proportionate and justified in the circumstances.”

The investigation, which saw police body-worn video, radio transmissions and mobile phone footage examined, found there was no evidence that a crime had been committed and officers took steps to appropriately resolve the matter.