West Midlands Police are searching for Mahroy Stephenson, 30, wanted on suspicion of grievous bodily harm after allegedly wrestling a baton from an officer during a stop and search in Handsworth and using it to strike him before fleeing on an e-bike.
A manhunt is underway in Birmingham for a man suspected of causing grievous bodily harm after a police officer was struck with his own baton during a violent struggle on Soho Road. West Midlands Police say Mahroy Stephenson, 30, from the Bartley Green area of the city, is wanted in connection with the incident, which took place during a stop and search on Friday morning and left the officer with a head injury requiring hospital treatment. The force’s Major Crime Team is now leading the investigation, which is being supported by CCTV, body-worn video and footage shared on social media.
How the Struggle Unfolded
Footage of the incident shows two officers attempting to restrain a man in a black hoodie, who is seen clinging to railings on the pavement beside a busy road. As the struggle continues, one officer kicks the suspect’s leg while the other tries to bring him to the ground, repeatedly telling him to “stop resisting” and “get on the floor now” as stunned bystanders look on. At one point, an officer warns that he will use his Taser as the man continues to resist.
The two officers can be seen dragging the suspect in different directions, with one holding his arm and the other wrapping around his waist, before eventually getting him closer to the ground. An officer removes a small item from the suspect’s pocket, but as the man makes another attempt to break free and get to his feet, one of the items is accidentally kicked along the pavement and a second falls from his pocket. It is at this point that the officer’s baton comes loose, and the suspect is seen grabbing it and swinging it at the two officers. One officer appears to be struck and falls to the ground, while the other stands over his colleague to shield him from further attack. The suspect then uses the opportunity created by the baton to escape on what appears to be a high-powered e-bike, evading the second officer as he flees. Footage shows the uninjured officer speaking into his radio to request an ambulance for his colleague.
Officer Discharged From Hospital
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: “We’re investigating an incident on Soho Road, Birmingham, and want to speak to Mahroy Stephenson. During a stop and search by officers Friday morning one officer suffered a head injury. He was treated at hospital and thankfully has since been discharged.” The force confirmed Stephenson is wanted on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, and is further sought in connection with a separate alleged assault on 21 June.
Investigation and Public Appeal
Detectives are carrying out forensic examinations on the baton and other items recovered from the scene as part of their inquiry. West Midlands Police have urged anyone who knows Stephenson’s whereabouts not to approach him directly, and instead to contact police immediately or pass on information anonymously through Crimestoppers. As of the force’s latest update, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and Stephenson remains outstanding.
