Man arrested after stolen car pursuit and officer assault in Paphos district

Paphos, Cyprus. A 28-year-old man was arrested after allegedly driving a stolen vehicle, colliding with another car and assaulting a police officer during a pursuit in Paphos district, police said on Friday.

Pursuit and arrest

The vehicle was reported stolen at about 3pm on Thursday after it was allegedly taken from a parking area in Paphos shortly after midday.

Police located the vehicle being driven through a village in the district and signalled the driver to stop. The driver allegedly sped away, driving dangerously on the Polis Chrysochous-Paphos road before colliding with another private vehicle.

The pursuit continued until the suspect lost control of the stolen car and crashed into a roadside safety barrier. Police fired a warning shot into the air during the pursuit.

Investigation

The man then allegedly attempted to flee on foot and assaulted a police officer before being overpowered and arrested at about 3.20pm.

A preliminary drug test was positive, while an alcohol test was negative. The 28-year-old was later formally arrested under a court warrant and remains in custody.

Paphos CID and Stroumbi police station are continuing their investigation.