Sergeant Brian John Ayers, M.B.
Sergeant Michael Johnston, M.B.
Constable Clifford Watson, M.B.
Medal of Bravery
On February 3, 2007, Victoria Police sergeants John Ayers and Michael Johnston, and Constable Clifford Watson, risked their lives to stop a car thief from escaping a roadblock, in Victoria, British Columbia. Advised that the thief had already broken through a blockade a few streets away, the three officers set up a second roadblock using their police vehicles. Officers warned passersby to get out of the way as the thief drove his vehicle onto the sidewalk. The officers exposed themselves to great danger by keeping their positions, while the driver of the stolen vehicle deliberately attempted to run them over. Having no other means of stopping him, the officers opened fire on the thief to ensure the safety of the public.