Brit fugitive who shot up bar in entrance of youngsters and was needed by Interpol arrested
After two-and-a-half years on the run, 49-year-old Brit Polemos Michael George, wanted by Interpol for allegedly firing multiple shots while children were present, was arrested
A Brit wanted by Interpol for allegedly shooting up a bar 5,000 miles away has been arrested after two-and-a-half-years on the run. The 49-year-old, named by authorities as Polemos Michael George, was detained on Thursday (January 1).
He was subject to an Interpol Red Notice after he was suspected of spraying the venue with gunfire while children were present. Footage released by police shows him being led away in handcuffs, flanked by armed officers.
Colombian authorities identified him as a British citizen and said the arrest took place at José María Córdova international airport near Medellin. Local media reported he had planned to go into hiding for an extended period in Colombia, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Polemos is accused of pulling a handgun and firing several shots inside a bar in Marbella, Spain, on August 16, 2023, putting those present – including minors – at serious risk. He allegedly fled the scene and went on the run as authorities sought him on suspicion of attempted homicide and illegal possession of firearms.
Investigators later discovered he had escaped Europe and eventually made his way to Rionegro, Colombia. Local media said Colombian authorities are now expected to coordinate with their British and Spanish counterparts with a view to a possible extradition.
William Oswaldo Rincón Zambrano, Director General of the Colombian National Police, said: “The man now in custody was sought in connection with events that occurred on 16 August 2023 in Marbella, Malaga, when he allegedly fired multiple shots at several people, including minors, putting the lives of those present at serious risk. This result is the product of specialised analysis by the National Police and the timely exchange of information with Spanish and UK authorities, which made it possible to identify his presence in the country and carry out his arrest effectively.”
While Polemos has been found and arrested, there are other British criminals who are yet to be stopped. Convicted killer Matthew Armstrong and violent criminal Daniel Washbourne are reportedly on the loose after bolting from prison on New Year’s Day.
Avon and Somerset Police are searching for the pair, having already stopped a third inmate on Saturday (January 3) who is also suspected of escaping. It’s believed that Armstrong and Washbourne escaped from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire between 5pm and 8pm on the first day of January.
The police have issued a stern warning to the public, urging anyone who spots the duo to dial 999 immediately, the Mirror reported. Police said: “HMP Leyhill reported the absconders to us on Thursday evening and officers attended the location at about 9.45pm to begin carrying out enquiries.
“CCTV footage showing what the men were wearing on New Year’s Day has been obtained, and we are releasing this today as part of our public appeal for information.” Armstrong has reportedly been described as a white male, approximately 5ft 9ins tall, with red hair and noticeable scars on his forehead, the Daily Star previously reported.
At the time of his escape, he was reportedly last seen dressed in a “burgundy/orange coat, grey cap, grey tracksuit bottoms with blue on the side, and black boots.” As per the Mirror, he is believed to have connections in Warwickshire, where he was convicted in the late 2000s for a murder that occurred during a robbery.
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