Larnaca, Cyprus. Two police officers were injured on Friday night during an attempt to check a 37-year-old suspect in a parking lot in Larnaca, police said on Saturday.
Incident during patrol
Police said the incident occurred at around 10.30pm when patrolling officers noticed the suspect observing parked vehicles in a parking area. When officers approached him for a check, the 37-year-old entered a vehicle despite being instructed to stop.
Attempted escape and injuries
Police said the suspect started the engine and reversed into a parked car in an attempt to escape. One officer opened the vehicle door to stop him and was injured in the leg.
The suspect then crashed into an EAC pole and into the right-hand side of a police car, where a second officer was sitting in the driver’s seat, police said.
Arrest and items seized
Police said the suspect was arrested after the vehicle was stopped at the scene. During the arrest, he shouted and attempted to strike an officer in the face, according to police.
A subsequent drug test returned a positive preliminary result, police said. Police later seized a pair of folding knives from the suspect’s car, one of which was open.
Medical examination
The two officers were medically examined at Larnaca general hospital, police said.
What steps do you think could reduce injuries to officers during roadside and parking-lot checks?
