A man was arrested last week after crashing a stolen vehicle into a British Bases Police (BB) patrol car during a pursuit in Xylofagou. According to the announcement, the man was remanded in custody until his trial begins on February 26.
As reported, the arrest took place on February 11, following information from the Cyprus Police to the immediate response police officers of the BB in Dhekelia that a single-cabin pick-up vehicle, which had been stolen from the village of Pyrga, was spotted driving within the BB on a dirt road.
It is noted that two patrol cars immediately rushed to the scene, where they spotted a 33-year-old man burning the vehicle's registration and ownership documents, after previously removing the license plates.
"As soon as he noticed the police presence, the suspect fled at high speed, attempting to head towards the highway," it added.
A second patrol car was parked with its lights on, blocking the dirt road. In his attempt to evade arrest, the 33-year-old lost control of the vehicle, which overturned and crashed into the patrol car.
The Deputy Assistant Police Director of Dhekelia, Markos Petrou, "praised the professionalism of the members of the response team who participated in the arrest, as well as the Crime Detection Department (CDD) which is conducting the investigations."
As he stated, "this is an excellent example of the sound and coordinated action of the Response Team, which immediately evaluated the information it received and reacted effectively, leading to the arrest of the suspect."
He stated that "the subsequent investigation by the TAE also revealed that the suspect was allegedly involved in a recent theft case from a residence under construction in Ormidia, which occurred last December."
"Our cooperation with the Cyprus Police is an important tool in the prevention and investigation of crimes and this specific incident demonstrates the strong foundations and continuous strengthening of this cooperation."
After his arrest, "it was also determined that the suspect was under the influence of methamphetamine and cannabis."
It is reported that "a subsequent search found a small amount of drugs and a folding knife in his possession."
At the same time, "an outstanding arrest warrant for drug-related offenses, which had been issued in September of last year, was executed against him."
The suspect "now faces charges of theft, drug possession, carrying a knife, dangerous and reckless driving, driving under the influence of drugs, as well as various other traffic violations."
It is reported that "the Cyprus Police remain in close cooperation with the BB Police, as the arrested person is a person of interest in multiple cases involving drugs and thefts, including the theft of the specific vehicle."
