Luton dangerous driver and drug dealer jailed after high-speed pursuit in Hornchurch
Elvis Pitomina has been arrested after reaching speeds of up to 110mph and being caught with cocaine
Police pursuit officers have told how a routine patrol in Eastwood turned into a high-risk chase when a Renault Megane, driven by Elvis Pitomina, attempted to outrun them in September.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit initially noticed the vehicle due to erratic driving.
When they activated their blue lights, the driver accelerated away, driving onto the A127 at speeds between 100 and 110mph as he travelled from Southend towards Hornchurch.
During the chase, the Megane narrowly avoided hitting a roundabout, but specially trained pursuit officers maintained control of the situation and manoeuvred into position.
The driver eventually halted on Wingletye Lane, where police boxed in the car.
The driver was identified as 21-year-old Elvis Pitomina of Dudley Street, Luton. He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving after officers discovered multiple wraps of suspected Class A drugs and a three-figure sum of cash inside the vehicle.
A further search in custody uncovered a small container hidden on Pitomina, containing 11 bags of cocaine.
Following an investigation by Southend Local Policing Team, Pitomina was charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and dangerous driving. He later admitted both offences.
Last month, Basildon Crown Court sentenced him to two years and six months in prison.
Adam Pipe, head of our Roads Policing Unit, said:
“This is exactly the sort of work my teams have been engaged in all year across the county.
“Policing our roads, tackling all manner of criminality, making sure people who cause a serious risk to life through their driving cannot escape justice.
“It’s not just about dangerous driving or drink and drug driving – although these offences are priorities for roads policing.
“The arrests we make also support and bolster wider work to deal with offences like theft, burglary and drug dealing.”