A POLICE officer has been praised for his bravery after arresting a violent, wanted Grays man despite being assaulted.

Frequent felon, 31-year-old Rocky Price, has been jailed for the assault on the officer, as well as the original assault the officer was responding to after spotting Price on Lodge Lane in Grays.

After the case, Inspector Dan Selby, of Grays Neighbourhood Policing Team, praised the officer's bravery and quick actions. 

"Our officer recognised Price from the description of the suspect given over his police radio and knew that Price was also wanted on recall to prison and was known to be violent. 

"However, in spite of being on his own, without hesitation in the face of danger, he went to arrest Price to ensure the safety of the wider community.

"Sadly, the officer was assaulted and injured while doing his duty but was still able to make the arrest, as fellow officers arrived at the scene to assist. 

"I want to reassure everyone that our officers are committed to tackling dangerous offenders and bringing them to justice so that we can create safer neighbourhoods for all."

Price was jailed for a total of 36 months at Basildon Crown Court yesterday, (16 April).

He had previously admitted assaulting a police officer, assaulting his own brother causing actual bodily harm and possession of a firearm – a Taser – with intent to cause fear of violence. Price was also ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.

Price was arrested on Lodge Lane.

The injured officer, from Grays Local Policing Team, was on patrol when he responded to reports of an assault on the evening of 28 February 2025.

He spotted Price, who matched the suspect's description, in Lodge Lane. Price, of Jesmond Road, Grays, was wanted on recall to prison at the time. 

Price ran off but the officer rapidly caught up with him. Price immediately began to struggle, managing to take the officer's Taser from its holster. However, the officer quickly recovered possession and arrested him.