Van chase in Limassol: 12 charges, crystal meth and objects thrown at police
Two Turkish Cypriots were remanded in custody for seven days following an eventful chase in Limassol. The 19-year-old driver admitted to consuming crystal meth.
Two T/Cs remanded in custody for seven days following eventful chase in Limassol
The two Turkish Cypriot suspects in the chase of 3 September appeared in handcuffs in Limassol District Court, as a flight risk was deemed to exist. The court ordered their remand in custody for seven days. According to Philenews, a total of 12 offences are being investigated against them, including conspiracy at felony and misdemeanour level, acts intended to cause serious bodily harm, malicious damage and a number of traffic violations.
The investigator from Limassol TAE outlined the details of the remand application before the court. Based on the case file, the 19-year-old driver of the white van struck parked vehicles and vehicles waiting at various locations in the city. During the chase, four traffic accidents occurred, whilst police officers fired warning shots to stop the vehicle's progress.
On Omonoia Avenue, the van mounted the central reservation, entered the opposite lane and headed towards the Agia Spyridon area. The two occupants threw objects from the window at police with the aim of preventing their arrest: tools, a car megaphone, a car battery and other items. They also threw a crab, which struck the windscreen of a patrol car and caused damage.
The 19-year-old also attempted to ram members of Team Z and patrol cars with the van. At one point, when the vehicle was at a standstill, a Team Z officer attempted to enter through the driver's window to immobilise it. The 19-year-old struck him with his hands and started the van, dragging the officer for several metres and injuring him.
The van was eventually immobilised at traffic lights in the Monovolitkos Industrial Area. During a body search of the 19-year-old, a black knife was found in his possession. Shortly afterwards, the 20-year-old passenger was also arrested.
Both were taken to Limassol Police Headquarters for drug testing. Before a sample was taken, the 19-year-old voluntarily stated that he "drank crystal". Laboratory testing confirmed a positive result for amphetamines.
It is recalled that the same 19-year-old was arrested on 9 July for a similar incident with a member of Team Z, during which he struck a police officer with his vehicle in order to avoid arrest.
Source: Philenews