Moment stalker, 27, found hiding under bed by armed police after mowing down three people while speeding in car

THIS is the moment a stalker who crashed into three people is found hiding under a bed by armed police. Footage shows the officers shining a torch on Joseph Wicks, 27, and telling him “the game’s up”. Joseph Wicks was found by police cowering under a bed Credit: Essex Police He was jailed after hitting three pedestrians after mounting a kerb Credit: Essex Police The “aggressive” man from Colchester hit three people after he mounted a kerb on Queen Street on November 30 last year. He then fled the scene and abandoned the car in Wivenhoe Quay but was tracked down after police found his fingerprints inside the Fiat 500. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! During the crash, Wicks narrowly missed other members of the public, drove the wrong way along one-way streets, sped along narrow roads and ignored red traffic lights. While he was being investigated by Essex Police, Wicks subjected a woman to a campaign of stalking and harassment which ended on May 8 when he allegedly attended the victim’s address. He shouted, swore, and acted aggressively, banging on the front door and demanding entry. After returning to his van, a man approached opening the passenger door to speak to Wicks about his behaviour. He reported seeing a metal baseball bat and what appeared to be a handgun inside. Wicks left the area but continued to bombard the woman with threatening phone calls and messages. Most read in The Sun Officers began hunting for Wicks after the report of a potential firearm and located his van the next day, they found the baseball bat but no handgun. Two days later they attended another address where several people said they had not seen Wicks. But when they searched the property they found him hiding underneath a bed frame. Wicks was arrested and charged with a number of offences including dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, failing to stop for police, three counts of assault by beating, three counts of attempting to cause actual bodily harm, stalking, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, sending threatening communications and criminal damage. While admitting to many of the charges, he denied having an imitation firearm. Appearing for sentence at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday, July 31, Wicks, was jailed for four years and six months. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and six months. Inspector Tom Stokes, of our Force Support Unit, said: “Our officers are trained to deal with some of the most challenging and high-risk situations policing can present. “Every deployment requires calm judgement, clear decision-making and the ability to assess rapidly changing circumstances while keeping the public, colleagues and themselves safe. “In this case, officers were tasked with locating and arresting a man linked to a series of serious offences, including dangerous driving which put members of the public at risk and a report involving what was believed to be a firearm. “When information suggests there may be a weapon involved, we must plan carefully and act decisively. “The professionalism shown by the officers involved meant they were able to safely enter the address, carry out a thorough search and locate Wicks despite efforts to conceal himself. “Their actions ensured a high-harm offender was brought before the courts and held accountable for his actions. “Much of the work carried out by armed officers happens out of the public eye, but it is built on extensive training, teamwork and a commitment to protecting communities across Essex. “We will continue to target those who pose the greatest risk and ensure they are brought to justice.” Comment now