A 32-year-old man was arrested after a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen car in Paphos, the police said on Friday.
The arrest took place during a coordinated operation by the Paphos CID, traffic police, and other units of the Paphos police department. The suspect was spotted driving a car reported stolen in Limassol between November 13 and 17.
While attempting to evade police, he drove dangerously through local streets and collided twice with a police vehicle. The second collision brought the car to a halt.
A second man, who had been in the vehicle as a passenger, and the 32-year-old attempted to flee on foot. Police fired warning shots as the suspects ran. Officers managed to apprehend the 32-year-old despite resistance.
Authorities found small amounts of cannabis and a crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine, weighing approximately 0.5 grams each. A harmful gas launcher and a set of car keys were also seized. The stolen vehicle bore a number plate reported stolen in Paphos the day before the arrest.
The arrest is linked to a robbery committed on November 4. A 70-year-old woman was attacked while standing next to her car in an open area in Paphos. An unknown man opened the passenger door, took her mobile phone and handbag containing €150 and other personal items, and attempted to drive away.
The woman tried to stop him but was hit by the car and suffered a serious fracture to her right shoulder, as well as abrasions. She was taken to Paphos general hospital for treatment.
The Paphos CID continues to investigate the case.
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