High-speed chases are often the stuff of action films, however there are times when life has a way of imitating what is seen on the silver screen.
Recently, reports emerged of a dramatic pursuit involving a suspected cable thief racing across Melaka.
But did this cops-and-robbers chase really happen?
Verdict:
TRUE
A suspected cable thief led police on a dramatic high-speed chase spanning over 100km, crashing into multiple vehicles and the Ayer Keroh Toll's gate barrier in the process.
Melaka police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar said the incident began around 4.30am on Tuesday (May 6) when a police patrol car spotted a suspicious pick-up in the vicinity of Taman Teknologi Cheng.
"Upon attempting to stop the vehicle for inspection, the 29-year-old suspect suddenly sped off, initiating a lengthy pursuit," he said on Tuesday (May 6).
DCP Dzulkhairi said the suspect drove recklessly through several major roads, including Krubong, Paya Rumput, and Durian Tunggal, and eventually entered the North-South Expressway heading south towards Johor Bahru by crashing into the toll gate barrier.
"He then dangerously drove against the traffic flow towards Kuala Lumpur (northbound) with police cars pursuing. During the chase, the suspect rammed into three cars and a lorry, causing significant damage to all vehicles," he said.
DCP Dzulkhairi said despite the chaos, his men eventually apprehended the suspect at KM216.8 of the NSE.
He said a search of the rear of the vehicle discovered 44 stolen cable wires.
"Further investigation revealed that the suspect hails from Teluk Intan, Perak, and has an extensive criminal record involving 14 offences and six drug-related cases.
We are currently hunting for another suspect who fled the scene during the incident," he added.
DCP Dzulkhairi said that the suspect had been remanded to assist the investigation under Section 186 and Section 279 of the Penal Code, Section 29(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
