JOHOR BARU: A routine crime prevention patrol turned into a dramatic high-speed chase when police officers from the Johor Baru South district headquarters intercepted a suspicious vehicle, leading to the arrest of two local men.
Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the incident began at around 1.40am on Wednesday (March 5) when officers on duty spotted a blue vehicle with its registration number concealed by black tape along Jalan Serampang, here.
"The officers signalled the driver to stop for inspection, but the suspects ignored the order and sped off. They drove recklessly, weaving between lanes and even entering the opposite lane, attempting to evade capture.
“The chase continued towards Kota Tinggi, but the suspects were eventually apprehended in front of the Kota Tinggi district police headquarters," he said in a statement.
Initial urine tests revealed that both suspects, aged 26 years old and working as labourers, tested positive for methamphetamine.
Further background checks showed that the driver had a prior criminal record related to narcotics and other offences, while the second suspect had no past criminal history.
Both men have been remanded for three days, from March 5 to 7, to assist in investigations.
They are being investigated under several laws, including Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of their duty, Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving, Section 14(1) of the same Act for failing to display a vehicle registration number, and Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 for drug abuse.
In a separate case, police arrested 14 local men, aged between 19 and 46, for their involvement in a riot and vandalism incident outside Sport Hub, Jalan Austin Heights 7.
ACP Raub said the arrests were made during an operation conducted between 12.55am and 3am on March 5.
"The incident occurred at about 1.30am on Tuesday (March 4) when the victim, a 20-year-old man, was alone in his four-wheel-drive vehicle outside Sport Hub.
“A group of individuals approached him and launched an attack, damaging his vehicle. The victim sustained injuries to his right elbow and left palm due to glass shards," he said.
Checks revealed that 10 of the suspects had previous criminal and drug-related offences, while four had no prior offences. However, all 14 tested negative for drugs.
They have been remanded for three days, from March 5 to 7, to assist in investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief resulting in property damage.
The suspects are also being probed under Section 148 of the Penal Code for rioting with weapons or dangerous objects.
Those with any information related to the incident are urged to contact the Johor Baru South police hotline at 07-218 2323 or visit the nearest police station to assist in the investigation.
