Full Breakdown
Former Norfolk Police Officer Banned After Deliberately Hitting Cyclist
2/18/2026, 5:11:51 AM
Incident Overview
On March 15, 2024, Frederick Boyle, a former constable with the Norfolk Police, deliberately ran over a cyclist identified as “Mr M” after witnessing him littering by throwing a sandwich onto a grass verge. The incident occurred while Boyle was on routine patrol, during which he activated his vehicle's blue lights, ran a red traffic light, and struck Mr M, pinning him under the police car. This act resulted in minor injuries to the cyclist.
Misconduct Findings
A police misconduct panel determined that Boyle's actions constituted gross misconduct, justifying his dismissal from the police force. The panel concluded that Boyle's decision to turn sharply and hit Mr M was deliberate, driven by a desire to prevent the cyclist from evading arrest. Despite the minor injuries sustained by Mr M, the panel assessed the risk associated with Boyle's driving as very high, indicating that serious injury could have occurred.
Officer Responses and Consequences
Following the incident, Boyle left the scene without checking on Mr M's condition, claiming he did not see any significant injuries and did not feel it necessary to call for medical assistance. The panel noted that Boyle had previously been involved in another collision while on duty, which had resulted in eight penalty points on his internal police license. As a consequence of this incident, Boyle was placed on the police barred list, preventing him from working in policing again.
Two other officers present in the vehicle, Kerron Tuttle and Abigail Thomas, received 18-month written warnings for their failure to report the incident and ensure the cyclist's welfare. Tuttle acknowledged that the incident was a “bad bit of driving” and a “bad split-second decision” by Boyle.
Official Statements & Responses
The misconduct panel emphasized the seriousness of Boyle's actions, stating, “The decision to turn sharply to the right was a deliberate decision made by former PC Boyle.” The panel's findings highlighted the high level of risk involved in Boyle's driving, which could have led to more severe consequences.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the incident have raised concerns about the accountability of police officers and the implications of such behavior on public trust in law enforcement. The failure of Tuttle and Thomas to report the incident has also drawn scrutiny, suggesting a need for improved oversight and training within the police force.
What's Next
The case raises broader questions about police conduct and accountability, potentially prompting reviews of training and reporting protocols within law enforcement agencies. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of ensuring officer accountability to maintain public trust.
