Police intercept stolen pickup after high-speed chase in Kota Samarahan

KOTA SAMARAHAN (Dec 30): Police arrested two men and recovered a stolen pickup truck following a pursuit here early today.

Kota Samarahan police chief Supt Damataries Lautin said around 1.30am, a mobile patrol vehicle (MPV) unit encountered the white pickup truck, which had been reported stolen on Dec 26, and signalled for the driver to stop.

“The vehicle was being driven in a suspicious manner and missing its rear licence plate.

“Instead of stopping as directed, the suspects led police on a chase towards the Samarahan-Padawan border before being intercepted at the Mile 15 quarry junction along the Samarahan Outer Ring Road,” he said in a statement.

Damataries said after being forced to stop, the two suspects jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot but were apprehended by MPV personnel after a struggle.

“The suspects acted aggressively and minimal force had to be used to subdue them,” he added.

He said a physical inspection at the scene did not find any illegal items in their possession.

“They also did not have any identification documents and only identified themselves verbally.

“However, subsequent checks revealed them to be aged 23 and 25, with each having prior arrest records,” he said.

Damataries said both suspects were taken to the district police headquarters for further investigation.