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Newport Man Shot by Police Pleads Guilty to Crossbow Threat
A 21-year-old man, Ben Bray, has pleaded guilty to threatening police with a crossbow during an incident in Newport this July. The events unfolded in the Baneswell area of the city on the night of July 10, when firearms officers were dispatched to St Edward Street following reports of a man in possession of a crossbow.
According to Gwent Police, Bray was shot by officers wielding police-issued firearms after he allegedly pointed the weapon towards them. Emergency services provided first aid at the scene before he was transported to hospital, where he has since been discharged.
Bray has admitted to charges of threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a private place, and sending a communication threatening death or serious harm on the same day. He is currently remanded in custody and is scheduled for sentencing on September 25.
Local residents expressed concern during the incident, recalling a significant police presence in the area. One eyewitness reported seeing Bray with the crossbow, while police were observed positioning themselves around his property.
In a statement issued by Gwent Police shortly after the incident, officers confirmed that they were called to St Edward Street around 11:55 PM to address the threat posed by Bray. Following standard procedures, the case has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The incident has drawn attention within the community, with residents sharing their accounts of the altercation and the police response.
