Police Officer Hit With Pepper Spray During Doorstep Arrest In UK

Bodycam footage shows the moment a police officer was sprayed in the face with a noxious substance by a suspect during a response to a reported domestic assault.

The incident happened on May 17 after the officer and a colleague approached an address in Luton. Ionut Spanache, 31, opened the door and sprayed what Bedfordshire Police described as a PAVA-like substance, a type of pepper spray.

The substance caused the officer temporary blindness and breathing difficulties.

Spanache, of Dunstable Road, Luton, was sentenced to two years in prison at Luton Crown Court on July 17 after admitting two counts of assault on an emergency worker, possession of a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid, and actual bodily harm.

“The assault of any emergency worker is abhorrent, and attacks on police officers carrying out their duties are especially concerning,” Supt Rachael Glendenning said.

“I am pleased that Spanache has been brought to justice, and I hope this outcome demonstrates that the courts take violence against emergency workers seriously.”