Two Emirati men arrested after alleged flight from Phuket checkpoint
Police arrested two Emirati nationals after an alleged pursuit through Kathu in which an officer crashed and was injured.
Two Emirati nationals were arrested after allegedly fleeing a police checkpoint and causing an officer to crash during a pursuit through Kathu district, Phuket, police said.
The incident began at about 1pm on 13 August at the Si Kor checkpoint on Phra Barami Road. Police said a black Honda ADV 160 carrying two men was travelling from Patong towards the Si Kor intersection when officers signalled the rider to stop for a licence check. The rider allegedly accelerated through the checkpoint.
Police Sergeant Major Siwayot Yodrabam followed the motorcycle towards Phra Phuket Kaew Road. Near Kathu Municipality, officers again ordered the men to stop. The passenger allegedly kicked Siwayot’s motorcycle with his left foot, causing the officer to lose his balance.
According to police, the pursuit continued towards a duty-free store, where the suspects allegedly rode against oncoming traffic before turning into a soi leading to The Valley housing estate. They then reportedly cut in front of the pursuing police motorcycle, causing Siwayot to crash.
The officer suffered injuries, while his clothing, glasses and motorcycle were damaged. Despite being hurt, he continued the pursuit to the end of the road inside the estate, where the suspects abandoned their motorcycle and fled on foot.
Police searched the area and later found both men walking near the estate entrance. They identified them as 21-year-old Emirati national Sohaill, who allegedly rode the motorcycle, and 20-year-old Emirati national Hamad Saif Rashed, the passenger.
Police said the men were informed of the allegations and their legal rights before being taken, along with the motorcycle, to Kathu Police Station for further legal proceedings.
