A man who crashed a stolen vehicle into a British Bases Police car during a pursuit in Xylophagou has been arrested and remanded in custody until his trial begins on February 26, according to officials.
The arrest on February 11 followed a Cyprus Police tip-off to Dhekelia Police Response Officers that a single cabin pick-up stolen from Pyrga village was spotted within the Bases driving along a dirt track.
Two police patrols were immediately dispatched and discovered a Cypriot national burning the registration and ownership documents having already removed the vehicle’s number plates.
After seeing the officers, the 33-year-old fled the scene at high speed in an effort to get on the highway.
A second patrol vehicle was stopped with its blue lights on to block the dirt track, but as the suspect attempted to avoid arrest, he flipped the car and crashed directly into the police.
Temporary Superintendent, Marcos Petrou, paid tribute to the work of the officers involved in the arrest and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team undertaking the investigation.
He was also keen to highlight the strong relationship with Cypriot Police.
Cyprus-Bases police coordination
“This was an excellent example of a great and coordinated work by our Response Team, who in quick time analysed the information received and responded effectively, resulting in the arrest of the suspect.
“The follow up investigation by our CID also revealed that the suspect was involved in a recent case of stealing from a house under construction in Ormidhia that took place last December.
“The liaison we have with Cyprus Police is an asset in crime prevention and detection and this incident proves the strong foundations and strengthening of this cooperation.”
Under the influence
Following his arrest, the suspect was also found to be under the influence of methamphetamine and cannabis.
During a subsequent search, Superintendent Petrou also revealed that a small quantity of drugs and a clasp knife were found in his possession.
A pending warrant for his arrest for drug related offences issued in September last year has also been executed.
The suspect now faces charges of stealing, drugs possession, carrying a knife, criminal and dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drugs and various other traffic offences.
Cypriot Police remain in close contact with the Bases Police as the suspect is a person of interest in multiple cases related to drugs and stealing, including the theft of the vehicle.