Salesman dragged along road as test driver tries to steal car
A car salesman was dragged along the road as he tried to stop a woman test driver stealing a Ford Focus from his forecourt.
A getaway car allegedly used by the woman and a man she was with was later said to have rammed a police car after a chase.
The drama began when the victim, 60, was approached by a man and a woman who arrived at Stourbridge Motor Company to try out a 58 plate silver Ford Focus.
As the salesman went into the office to get the trade plates the woman began to drive off in the car.
The salesman gave chase and was able to open the passenger door of the car, and partially get into the car.
As the salesman was dragged along the road the driver hit the waiting getaway car, a black Ford Focus, giving the salesman a chance to put the handbrake on.
She jumped out and the would-be robbers fled in the waiting black Focus, at around 12pm yesterday at the St John's Road site.
The victim, who was not seriously hurt, raised the alarm and 30 minutes later he getaway car was spotted on the M5 in Bromsgrove by motorway officers.
A West Midlands Police spokesman said: "Patrol officers from Central Motorway Police Group followed the car, which failed to stop, and ultimately brought the vehicle to a halt at Frankley Services after colliding with the police car.
"The occupants of the car, a 26-year-old woman from Tyseley, and a 24-year-old from Hall Green, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in police custody this morning."
Det Sgt Richard Mayne, from Birmingham South investigation team, said: "The salesman is very lucky to have not suffered more serious injuries as a result of what happened early yesterday.
"Thankfully the man was able to get a registration number of the car as it left the scene and the quick actions of officers means that two suspects are now in police custody in connection with the thefts.
"We are working with our colleagues in West Mercia Police over similar offences and the pair will be questioned in due course."
