A young personal trainer’s attempt to impress a woman on a first date took a dangerous turn, ending in a high-speed police chase and a massive collision that sent seven officers to the hospital. Mazyar Azarbonyad, 20, now faces prison time after his reckless actions left a trail of chaos and injuries.

According to Sky News, Azarbonyad was sentenced to one year and two months in a young offenders’ institution for dangerous driving and a string of other offenses. The chaotic pursuit, which occurred in the early hours of April 9, involved five police cars and ended in a dramatic crash on the A1 near Newcastle.

Azarbonyad’s reckless driving began when officers attempted to stop his BMW in Gateshead due to its excessive speed and a defective headlight. Instead of cooperating, he fled the scene, leading authorities on a dangerous chase through residential streets.

High-speed chase spirals out of control

The chase started after Azarbonyad initially pulled over but sped off as an officer approached his vehicle. Northumbria Police reported that his car was later spotted on Whickham Front Street, where he once again evaded officers, accelerating through neighborhoods at dangerous speeds.

Specialist road policing units joined the pursuit, tracking Azarbonyad’s vehicle as it reached speeds exceeding 120 mph. Just two minutes later, the chase ended in catastrophe when his car collided with multiple police vehicles near the Denton Interchange exit.

The crash left seven officers injured, with one police car’s roof ripped off and debris scattered across the highway. While three officers have since returned to duty, four remain on medical leave as they recover from their injuries. Miraculously, Azarbonyad and his passenger, a woman in her 20s, escaped the wreckage uninjured.

Passenger arrested but later cleared

Azarbonyad’s female passenger faced immediate consequences following the crash. She was initially arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. However, authorities later determined she would not face further legal action related to the chase. She did, however, receive a caution for drug possession.

Azarbonyad was arrested at the scene and released on bail under strict conditions, including a driving ban. But his disregard for the law didn’t stop there. Days later, officers caught him driving illegally again—a red Hyundai i10 this time—from his County Durham home to his workplace in Newcastle. He was arrested on April 16 at a gas station in Stanley while attempting to refuel the car.

In court, Azarbonyad admitted to a series of offenses, including dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, and driving without insurance or a valid license on multiple occasions. His defense lawyer, Jack Lovell, argued that Azarbonyad displayed genuine remorse for his actions.

Court condemns reckless behavior

During sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, the judge handed Azarbonyad a custodial sentence and a driving disqualification of three years and seven months. To regain his driving privileges, he must pass an extended re-test once his ban ends.

Superintendent Billy Mulligan of Northumbria Police criticized Azarbonyad’s actions, pointing out the significant risks posed to both the public and law enforcement officers. “It is sheer luck that Mazyar Azarbonyad did not kill anyone that day with his reckless actions,” Mulligan said. “What should have been a simple stop turned into him driving incredibly dangerously in a bid to get away from officers. He showed absolutely zero regard for the safety of anyone else that morning.”

Mulligan also praised the bravery of the officers involved, many of whom remain off duty as they recover. He emphasized the department’s zero-tolerance policy toward dangerous driving and its commitment to protecting the public.

Why This Story Matters

This story underscores just how quickly reckless decisions behind the wheel can impact not only the driver but also innocent public servants and everyday commuters. It serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers inherent in high-speed pursuits and eluding law enforcement in urban areas.

The continued recovery of four dedicated police officers brings attention to the risks taken by those tasked with upholding public safety. It also raises questions about how young, unlicensed drivers can access high-performance vehicles and remain undetected until tragedy strikes. With a clear message from the courts and law enforcement, the hope is that future offenders will think twice before deciding to run from the law.

Conclusion

On April 9, 2025, 20-year-old Mazyar Azarbonyad refused to properly stop for police in Gateshead, leading to a high-speed chase that culminated in a violent crash on the A1, injuring seven officers. After initially being released with a temporary driving ban, he violated bail and was later sentenced to over a year in a young offenders’ facility, along with a multi-year driving disqualification. Despite expressing remorse through his solicitor, his actions drew harsh criticism from law enforcement and sparked community concern over road safety and reckless youth behavior.