A dangerous police chase in Walsall ended with a former RAC worker discarding a loaded gun and bullets from his car in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. Rowayne Kesto, 23, led officers on a reckless 60mph pursuit after locking eyes with police who attempted to pull him over.
During the chase, Kesto threw a bag containing a single-barrelled pistol, a loaded magazine with live 9mm bullets, and a flick knife out of his blue Seat Leon. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that Kesto admitted to possessing the firearm and ammunition for only one day due to a debt to an unnamed associate. He claimed to have been pressured and feared for the safety of himself and his family, which forced him to temporarily hold the weapons.
The incident unfolded on June 25, 2024, when police, acting on intelligence linking Kesto to the firearm, found him stopped at red lights on Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood. After making eye contact with officers in an unmarked car, Kesto fled, driving on the wrong side of the road, running a red light, and reaching speeds of 60mph in a 30mph zone. His erratic driving caused other motorists to take evasive action and involved navigating speed bumps in a way that destabilized his vehicle.
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The chase concluded when Kesto lost control and crashed into a wall on Holly Lane. He attempted to escape on foot but was eventually apprehended by police.
During the trial, prosecutor Marcus Henry emphasized Kesto’s blatant disregard for public safety through his dangerous driving and the potential threat posed by the firearm and ammunition. Defense lawyer James Kumar acknowledged Kesto’s pressured circumstances, describing him as a young man who had made a serious mistake while associating with the wrong crowd. Kumar highlighted Kesto’s remorse and positive qualities, noting his previous employment with RAC and work as a carer.
Judge Jonathan Gosling, recognizing Kesto’s remorse and lack of prior convictions, sentenced him to five years and two months in prison and imposed a three-year driving ban. Kesto pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of a blade, dangerous driving, and criminal damage.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal weapons and reckless behaviour on the roads.