Dramatic video footage has emerged showing police officers opening fire during a high-speed chase in Ratmalana this evening, after a van driver ignored repeated orders to stop.
According to police, the incident occurred around 5.25 p.m. when a van travelling from Piliyandala via Katubedda failed to comply with traffic police instructions at Golumadama Junction. Officers from the Western South Traffic Division pursued the vehicle and fired at its front and rear tyres near Belekkade Junction in an attempt to stop it.
Despite the shots, the driver continued to flee until reaching the Ratmalana railway station area, where he abandoned the vehicle and attempted to escape on foot. He fell and sustained minor facial injuries before being arrested.
Police later confirmed that the driver, identified as a tourist transport operator from Galkiriyagama, was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. Preliminary investigations also revealed that the van had collided with several vehicles along the route.
The suspect was admitted to Kalubowila Hospital and is now in police custody pending further inquiries. (Newswire)