Police have arrested a driver believed to be involved in a hit-and-run incident that left a traffic officer injured along Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra last Friday, with authorities later confirming the suspect is a serving senior police officer.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said the 40-year-old suspect, who holds the rank of Inspector, is currently on special medical leave and is in the process of being retired following recommendations by a medical board. He added that the suspect has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and is undergoing treatment.
“The suspect has a confirmed mental health condition and is receiving ongoing care,” Fadil said in a statement on Tuesday, noting that investigations are still ongoing.
The suspect was apprehended on Monday afternoon following a police pursuit from Jalan Cheras to Jalan Empat, Chan Sow Lin. Authorities tracked the vehicle at around 3.45pm using intelligence and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage before attempting to intercept it.
However, initial efforts to stop the vehicle failed as the suspect allegedly sped off recklessly in an attempt to escape. During the pursuit, the car is said to have collided with several other vehicles, including a Mercedes-Benz and a Proton Saga, while additional vehicles may have been involved but have yet to lodge reports.
Police said traffic officers took measures to control the situation by clearing the road to prevent a more serious accident and reduce risks to other road users. A police Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) involved in the operation also sustained damage.
The suspect was eventually detained with assistance from patrol units from the Cheras and Brickfields district police headquarters. Initial checks found no illegal items, and an alcohol breath test returned negative. The suspect is expected to undergo further urine screening as part of the investigation.
Authorities confirmed that seven vehicle owners have come forward to lodge reports so far, involving five civilian vehicles, one police MPV and a motorcycle belonging to a police officer. Members of the public involved in the incident are urged to report to the nearest traffic police station.
The case is being investigated under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving, as well as Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duties.
In the earlier incident at about 10.47pm on Friday, the victim, 27-year-old Constable Roslan Salleh, was managing traffic in a yellow box junction when he was struck from behind by the vehicle. The driver fled the scene without stopping to assist.
The victim sustained injuries including wounds to his right palm and the back of his head, as well as rib pain. He was later transported to Hospital Kuala Lumpur by the Malaysian Civil Defence Force ambulance for further treatment.
