PENAMPANG: A 30-year-old local was arrested following a car chase through Penampang after allegedly stealing telecommunication cables.
Acting on a tip-off from the public, a Mobile Patrol Vehicle (MPV) unit from the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division spotted a suspicious vehicle believed involved in cable theft activities around Donggongon.
When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect fled, leading to a car chase from the Kobusak area to Bundusan before the vehicle skidded off the road and crashed into a shopfront on Jalan Yue Min.
The suspect then fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after.
Police retrieved a roll of copper cable wire, a vehicle battery and the vehicle believed to have been used in the criminal activity.
Background checks showed the suspect has a prior record for drug-related offences.
A urine screening test conducted on the suspect came back positive for drugs.
Deputy District Police Chief DSP Erwansyah Abdul Basir said the case is being investigated under Section 431A of the Penal Code, Section 186 of the Penal Code and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
“Penampang District Police will not compromise with any individual involved in criminal activities that could endanger public safety and public facilities,” he said.
The police are urging members of the public who have any information related to this case or any other criminal cases to come forward and contact the nearest police station to assist with investigations.
