Man convicted after shooting police officer with a crossbow in High Wycombe
Jason King, 54, has pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, affray, and weapons charges at Aylesbury Crown Court
A man has been convicted following a serious assault and weapons incident in High Wycombe. Jason King, 54, of School Close, High Wycombe, appeared at Aylesbury Crown Court today (31 October) and pleaded guilty to one count of section 20 grievous bodily harm and affray.
At an earlier hearing on 20 September, King had also pleaded guilty to section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with a serious assault on police officer PC Curtis Foster, during which he fired a crossbow at the officer. King also admitted charges of possession of an offensive weapon, namely a crossbow, and possession of a bladed article. Two other charges, for criminal damage and cultivation of cannabis, will lie on file.
The incident began around 6pm on 10 May, when King was involved in an altercation with a neighbour on School Close. King stabbed the victim, a man in his sixties, in the stomach before leaving the scene. Police were called to the address, and upon arrival, King fired a crossbow at unarmed officers from his residence. Armed officers were on their way, but King exited his home with the crossbow, prompting officers to withdraw; during this, King struck PC Foster in the leg with a crossbow bolt.
PC Foster has since recovered fully and returned to active duty. The initial assault victim was treated for minor injuries at the hospital and discharged the same day.
A police dog handler and dog later confronted King, followed by armed officers, who shot him in the abdomen. King was hospitalised with potentially life-changing injuries but was discharged ten days later. He was subsequently arrested, taken into police custody, and charged on 22 May. He has been remanded into custody and will face sentencing on 31 January 2025.
“This was a serious incident, and thankfully, the victims in this case, including our officer, have made full recoveries,” said Detective Inspector Nick Hind of the Major Crime Unit. “I would like to thank the local community for their support during and after the incident. King has now admitted the offences and will be sentenced in due course.”
Following the incident, Thames Valley Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which is conducting an ongoing investigation.