A man who crashed a stolen vehicle into a British Bases police patrol during a chase in Xylofagou has been arrested and remanded in custody until his trial begins on 26 February, according to an official announcement.
The arrest took place on 11 February after police received information that a single-cab pick-up truck stolen from the village of Pyrga was travelling on a dirt road to Dhekelia British Bases area.
Suspect attempted escape
Two patrol vehicles responded immediately and found a 33-year-old Greek Cypriot burning the vehicle’s registration and ownership documents after removing its licence plates.
When he noticed the officers, the suspect fled at high speed, attempting to reach the motorway.
Crash into police vehicle
A second patrol car had blocked the dirt road with its lights activated. During the attempt to evade arrest, the 33-year-old lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and collided with the police patrol.
Dhekelia’s Acting Assistant Chief Police Officer, Markos Petrou, praised the professionalism of the responding officers and the Criminal Investigation Department conducting the inquiry.
Drugs and knife discovered
Following the arrest, officers determined that the suspect was under the influence of methamphetamine and cannabis.
A later search found a small quantity of drugs and a folding knife in his possession. Authorities also executed an outstanding arrest warrant issued in September last year for drug-related offences.
Multiple charges filed
The suspect now faces charges including theft, drug possession, carrying a knife, dangerous and reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs, and several traffic violations.
Cyprus Police continue to cooperate closely with the British Bases Police, as the arrested man is considered a person of interest in multiple cases involving drugs and theft, including the theft of the vehicle used in the Xylofagou chase.
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