22-year-old recidivist forced his way into police car with child inside to escape after failed robbery in Sofia
A repeatedly convicted man, 22, got into a police vehicle with a 7-year-old child inside in an attempt to escape after a failed robbery attempt in Borisova Garden. Following a 10-minute chase through Sofia, he was apprehended.
22-year-old recidivist forced his way into police car with child inside to escape after failed robbery in Sofia
A repeatedly convicted young man, 22, entered an official Ministry of Interior vehicle whilst a 7-year-old daughter of a police officer was inside. He attempted to flee from pursuit that began following a failed theft attempt from an amusement attraction in Borisova Garden. The incident took place on Wednesday at around 17:00 in the capital, according to 24 chasa.
Prior to this, the attacker, wearing a hat and mask, burst into an amusement facility in the park. The owner spotted him and chased him. The escape lasted nearly ten minutes along "Tsarigrad Highway" boulevard to the medical centre on "Miziya" street.
In his attempt to hide, the perpetrator got into an unlocked patrol vehicle. Behind the wheel sat the wife of the uniformed officer, and on the back seat was their young child. The man ordered the woman to drive. According to the deputy head of the First Police Department Commissioner Stefan Popov, she probably became frightened by his appearance and complied.
After exiting the first car, the offender pulled out a cold weapon and attempted to get into another vehicle, and then into the back seat of a private car, whose driver also turned out to be a police officer. The uniformed officer was with his daughter. Despite orders to stop, the man did not comply. The officer showed his service card and weapon, but whilst disarming him, the recidivist jumped into the driver's seat and attempted to drive off. Realising he had encountered a law enforcement officer, he stopped at approximately one hundred metres away.
In the meantime, the owner of the attraction arrived with two assistants and they detained the fugitive until the police arrived.
The injured officer works in the Specialised Police Forces under the Directorate for Combating Organised Crime. On social media, witnesses shared that the child showed admirable composure. Ivanka Stoyanova, who filmed the detention, expressed support for the police's actions.
During a personal search of the detainee, small quantities of cannabis and amphetamine were found. Investigators believe he was under the influence of drugs, which explained his inadequate behaviour.
The Sofia District Prosecutor's Office has brought four charges: coercion, vehicle theft under threat, threat to murder, and theft as an accessory. He faces up to twelve years' imprisonment and forfeiture of half his property. The man has already served sentences for robberies, drug distribution, and offences against sexual integrity. He is currently being held in custody for 72 hours, with the prosecution expected to seek a permanent remand.
Source: 24 Chasa