A COVENTRY man who tried to flee police was found with a sawn-off shotgun, live ammunition, cannabis and cash when officers caught up with him.
Tatendra Masawi was spotted speeding in Birmingham city centre during April’s lockdown.
The Peugeot was on cloned plates and as officers began to follow the vehicle it came to a stop on a pavement in Bow Street.
Masawi jumped out of the car with a rucksack which he discarded as he fled on foot.
However, his escape bid was quickly halted as officers caught up and detained him at the junction of Windmill Street.
The 28-year-old had £900 in notes, along with cannabis, on him while the rucksack he flung was also recovered.
Inside the bag a shortened shotgun, along with seven live and five discharged cartridges, were found and seized.
Masawi, of Hollicombe Terrace, was jailed for five years at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday.
He was convicted of possession of a firearm, having cannabis and driving without insurance following a Newton hearing.
DC Ed Ketterer, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “This was a dangerous weapon and ammunition which we’ve managed to take off the streets.
“We’ve seen all to often the devastation they can cause in communities.
“Masawi thought he could get away from our officers, but there was never going to be an easy getaway and he is now behind bars.”
