An attempt by two men to escape after being detected stealing telecommunication cables on Jalan Tuaran early this morning failed when the vehicle they were travelling in skidded and crashed.
Earlier, police officers together with Telekom Malaysia (TM) personnel who were conducting patrols spotted two suspicious vehicles near a “manhole” belonging to the telecommunications company.
During inspection, several individuals believed to be involved in cutting telecommunication cables fled the scene using a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Hiace van.
Kota Kinabalu Acting District Police Chief Supt Syed Lot Syed Ab Rahman said that during the escape, the suspects in the Toyota Hilux also attempted to ram a police vehicle that was blocking their path.
However, the Hilux was later brought under control after it skidded and crashed near Jalan Likas, close to a petrol station.
Two men were arrested at the scene, while the Toyota Hiace, also believed to be involved, managed to escape and is still being tracked by authorities.
Police also seized a cable-cutting tool believed to have been used in the incident.
Further checks revealed TM cables that had already been cut but were not yet removed from the location.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Section 235 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, and Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing public servants in the discharge of their duties.
