Regional police arrest driver in Antigua after he flees a checkpoint

The Policía Autonómica — Cuerpo General de la Policía arrested an adult man in the early hours of 15 August after he fled in a vehicle in the municipality of Antigua, Fuerteventura. He is initially suspected of disobedience, assaulting a law enforcement officer, offences against road safety, unauthorised use of a vehicle and criminal damage.

The incident began when officers from the Prevention and Intervention Unit (UPRI) signalled for him to stop using sirens and flashing lights in a leisure area of the municipality. The man ignored their instructions and sped away along the FV-2.

During the pursuit, which was joined by several units of the Canary Islands regional police and a Guardia Civil patrol, the driver made several overtakes and manoeuvres that seriously endangered other road users. He repeatedly ignored police signals to stop.

During the escape, the vehicle collided with a central reservation and then rammed one of the police vehicles, causing material damage. After losing control again, it eventually crashed into a bus stop in Costa Antigua.

Once the vehicle had been brought to a stop, the driver tried to continue his journey and actively resisted officers. He was eventually restrained and arrested.

Enquiries established that the vehicle had been stolen and belonged to a car hire company. The relevant procedures were carried out with the holder of the rental agreement.

The man was taken to a health centre for a medical examination before the relevant investigative procedures continued. Information gathered during the operation suggests that he may be linked to other offences committed that same day. This possibility is currently under investigation.