Horrifying moment teenager, 19, pulls out a GUN on street in front of terrified shoppers before being chased by cops
THIS is the moment a teenager pulled out a gun on the street in front of terrified shoppers – before being chased by cops.
Nikye Thomas, 19, threatened a man with the loaded handgun on a crowded Birmingham street at 3.10pm on June 24.
The pair had tussled over a small bag, with the man trying to wrench it from Thomas – who ran off.
Police CCTV shows the moment he then pulled the gun from the bag and aimed it at the stunned man, who fell off his bike.
Armed cops scrambled to the scene, chasing Thomas through the Burlington Arcade.
The teen tossed away his gun as he hurtled down a set of stairs the shopping centre – before a brave officer tackled him to ground.
Six live rounds were found in Thomas’s gun, including one loaded in its chamber.
Cops also found cannabis and a burner phone in the 19-year-old’s bag.
Now Thomas has been jailed for five years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He will concurrently serve a six-month sentence for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
Det Sgt Sharon Owen said: “This was a shocking and reckless act which happened in the middle of a busy Saturday afternoon at a time when the city was full of innocent people.
“Thanks to great work by CCTV operators, firearms officers, forensics and investigators, Thomas is now behind bars.
“In addition to the five rounds in the gun’s magazine, one was in the chamber and ready to be fired.
She added: “Carrying guns on our streets is completely unacceptable and this investigation could easily have become a murder investigation had he pulled the trigger.
“We are determined to take guns off the streets and arresting those who think it is acceptable.”