Police are investigating a series of traffic and criminal offences after a motorcycle rider was arrested on Tuesday in the Famagusta district following a routine check that escalated into a chase.
According to police, officers from the Headquarters Traffic Department’s special motorcycle unit were carrying out checks near the Paralimni-Deryneia roundabout shortly after 11.30am when they spotted the 25-year-old riding without a helmet.
When officers signalled for him to stop, he allegedly accelerated and changed direction. Under circumstances still being examined, the motorcycle struck a police officer, injuring him in the hand, before crashing into a parked vehicle and coming to a halt.
During a subsequent search, officers found a grinder containing traces of plant material, believed to be cannabis, in the storage space under the motorcycle seat.
The 25-year-old also underwent an alcohol test, which showed a reading of 21μg%, above the legal limit of 9μg%. He also tested positive in a preliminary drug test and was arrested for offences committed in the act.
Both the rider and the injured officer were taken to Famagusta General Hospital, where they were examined and discharged.
After police questioning, the 25-year-old was released and is expected to be summoned to appear before court at a later stage. He was also served with a letter suspending his driving licence.
The Paralimni Police Station and the Famagusta Drug Law Enforcement Unit are continuing investigations.
