During the trial of Martyn Blake for the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba, a police marksman was described as “calm and collected” with a “sound” judgment. The Tactical Firearms Commander (TFC), known as HA62, testified in court about the events leading up to Mr. Kaba’s death on September 5, 2022. HA62 declared a firearms incident and ordered an “enforced stop with extraction” after identifying Mr. Kaba driving a suspect Audi in South London.
HA62 confirmed that Blake, a trained Tactical Firearms Adviser, was someone he had worked with multiple times and described him as calm and collected. When questioned about Blake’s temperament, HA62 stated that he had never seen Blake angry or frustrated, and these emotions did not interfere with his work. The prosecution had previously suggested that Blake may have reacted emotionally to Mr. Kaba’s actions before being shot.
HA62 revealed that he was unaware that Blake had initially been scheduled to be in the Special Operations Room that evening but had switched to an Armed Response Vehicle. When a sighting of the Audi linked to a gunshot discharge outside a school was reported, HA62 declared a firearms incident and called for backup from the Trojan Unit. The Audi was suspected to be involved in a shooting and was one of the getaway vehicles.
As the Audi was tracked through Camberwell, the driver’s evasive maneuvers raised suspicions that they were aware of being followed. A helicopter provided live video support, and Mr. Kaba was fatally shot in Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham. Post-incident protocol prevented officers from discussing the event unless necessary.
During cross-examination, questions were raised about the significance of Mr. Kaba knowing about the police before the armed stop. HA62 explained that such awareness could allow a suspect to prepare for a confrontation, including readying a weapon. Despite no firearm being found in the Audi, the risk to officers increased as time wore on during the operation.
The Tactical Firearms Adviser, AC38, faced questions about the use of enforced stop with extraction by armed police. AC38 defended the actions taken that night, stating that doing nothing was not an option, and it was necessary to seize the chance to prevent potential future offenses. Martyn Blake, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of Chris Kaba, is facing charges over the incident, and the trial is set to resume at the Old Bailey.
The testimony provided insights into the events leading up to the fatal shooting and the decision-making process of the police officers involved. The court proceedings shed light on the challenges and risks faced by law enforcement in high-pressure situations, emphasizing the importance of remaining calm and making sound judgments to ensure public safety.
