A dramatic police chase unfolded in Choa Chu Kang on the afternoon of Jan 1 after a white van refused to stop for a routine traffic check and led officers on a high-speed pursuit through a residential area.
Police said traffic officers patrolling along Old Chua Chu Kang Road signalled for the van to stop at about 5.20pm. The driver failed to comply and sped off, prompting officers to give chase.
During the pursuit, the van collided with a traffic police outrider and later skidded at the junction of Choa Chu Kang Avenue 7 and Keat Hong Link. Videos circulating online show the vehicle mounting a pedestrian path, driving up a staircase and eventually getting stuck.
Footage later showed a man believed to be the driver sitting on the ground in handcuffs, surrounded by police officers.
Police said a knife, a baton, and items suspected to be controlled drugs and drug-related paraphernalia were found inside the van. The 34-year-old driver was conveyed conscious to hospital before being arrested.
He faces multiple charges, including reckless driving causing hurt, driving without a valid licence and insurance, failing to stop when ordered by a police officer, using a forged licence, possession of scheduled weapons, and suspected drug-related offences. The suspected drug offences have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau.
The 25-year-old traffic police officer whose motorcycle was struck was also taken to hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
Eyewitness videos showed the van reversing at a pedestrian crossing, making an illegal U-turn against a red light, and narrowly avoiding other vehicles before crashing. Some witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, while others claimed the driver attempted to flee on foot before being detained.
Investigations are ongoing.
