RAS AL KHAIMAH // A policeman who fought and chased a knife-wielding burglar has been rewarded by colleagues and senior officers for his bravery. Raad al Montasir, a patrol officer, wrestled with a man who had tried to break into a bank on Dec 4. "We were alerted around 5am," said the 25-year-old. "My colleague and I reached the bank and we could see the employee door was broken. My colleague stayed in the car and I went to investigate. I was calling the operations room for backup when I saw a man with a knife maybe 30cm long."
Mr al Montasir immediately threw his walkie-talkie at the burglar's shoulder, hoping to catch him off balance and make him drop the knife. As the man stumbled the officer ran to arrest him. After a brief scuffle on the pavement, the robber struggled free, running for shelter into the nearby buildings. The officer chased him for a kilometre, but eventually lost his trail. When Mr al Montasir returned to the scene, police had arrived to collect evidence. They recovered the man's knife, jacket and bag. He was caught later that day.
"My aim was to catch him," said Mr al Montasir afterwards. "I didn't care for my health or my safety, I was doing my job." At yesterday's awards ceremony, Major Gen Sheikh Talib bin Saqr, director general of Ras al Khaimah Police, said Mr al Montasir was an example of the loyalty and strength of Ras al Khaimah officers. "The RAK police force consists of hard-working, dedicated officers who have given, and will continue to give, their greatest effort to ensure that their department and their city is represented with pride, dignity and professionalism."
"He's the perfect employee," said Cpl Badir Ali, who has worked with Mr al Montasir for three years. "What he did is evidence that he's passionate, loyal and faithful to his job." "I am speechless," said Mr al Montasir's father, Kayed. "He's only 25 and he risked his life for his country. I am so proud of him, and to see him honoured by all of these officers and the Sheikh." Mr al Montasir was presented with a gift, a certificate of bravery and a cash reward.
The officer expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Talib, saying that danger, injury and even death are inescapable and he would willingly sacrifice his life to protect his country. In 2008, Mr al Montasir was honoured for distinguished work in his section. azacharias@thenational.ae