During a routine check - police chase in Port Louis: driver tests positive for drugs

During a routine police operation in the heart of Port Louis on Tuesday morning, a routine stop led to a police chase. Officers from the Traffic Branch were conducting a stop and check on Jummah Mosque Street when a motorist attempted to flee during the inspection, narrowly avoiding an accident. The 22-year-old driver was apprehended for dangerous driving, and a subsequent test revealed he was under the influence of drugs.

Around 11:15 AM, a policewoman and her colleagues observed a white Hyundai i10 driving along Jummah Mosque Street towards Farquhar Street. The officers noticed several passengers getting into the vehicle and suspected the driver of operating as an illegal taxi. One of the officers signaled for him to stop, which he initially complied with.

However, the situation escalated when the policewoman informed him he would be ticketed for illegal use of a vehicle for commercial purposes. As she held his driver's license, he abruptly snatched it from her and sped off. In his flight, the vehicle's right mirror struck a police officer's hand before colliding with a parked Mitsubishi at a crosswalk.

The police immediately pursued him on foot despite heavy traffic. Two officers attempted to open the car doors, but they were locked. At this moment, three passengers in the back jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot, taking advantage of the confusion. They were in Farquhar Street, near the North Station.

The driver attempted a desperate maneuver by speeding towards a police officer, who had to leap aside to avoid being hit. However, trapped in traffic, he could not get far. The quick intervention of another officer stationed nearby allowed them to block the vehicle. While the car remained locked, an officer managed to enter through the back and subdue the suspect from within, while his colleagues succeeded in opening the driver’s side door.

Faced with the driver's resistance, a unit from the Divisional Supporting Unit (DSU) was called in to assist with the arrest. The individual, 22 years old and residing in St Pierre, was eventually subdued and taken to the police station, along with a 29-year-old female passenger.

The officer injured during the incident was examined by a doctor, who prescribed him two weeks of medical leave. A drug test conducted on the driver returned positive results.

Surveillance footage from Safe City cameras was reviewed for the investigation, confirming the sequence of events. The involved vehicle has been seized for further investigation.