A man has been arrested for dangerous driving while intoxicated and attempting to flee from police.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Ahmed Fariz of Kaafu Maafushi, was taken into custody in the early hours of yesterday morning.
According to the police, a report was received at approximately 03:52 am regarding an individual riding a motorcycle dangerously on the highway from Hulhumale’ to Male’. The report stated that the rider was lying down on the seat and was not wearing a helmet. Upon locating the suspect near the Male’ traffic lights, officers signaled for him to stop. However, he disregarded the order and attempted to flee at high speed along Boduthakurufaanu Magu.
Despite repeated instructions to pull over as police vehicles pursued him, the suspect continued his attempt to escape, eventually colliding with a police car.
While the police vehicle sustained various degrees of damage in the collision, the suspect abandoned his motorcycle and fled the scene on foot. He was later apprehended on Moonlight Hingun road by officers patrolling the capital.
Police records reveal that Fariz is a repeat offender who has consistently violated land transport laws and regulations. He currently has outstanding traffic fines totalling MVR 44,000.
His criminal record includes driving without a license, driving against one-way traffic, speeding, operating a vehicle without mirrors, and repeatedly driving while his license was suspended. He also has a history of dangerous driving that endangers public safety.
Upon being produced before the court for a remand hearing, he was ordered to be detained for a period of seven days.
The Maldives Police Service has recently intensified its crackdown on dangerous driving and traffic violations.
As part of these enforcement measures, the police have announced that they will begin publicising the identities of those found driving dangerously. These stricter actions follow a recent fatal accident that resulted in the death of a young woman.
