Police nab driver after car chase in Geylang

A CAR chase in Geylang earlier this week led to a 35-year-old man being held for suspected dangerous driving.

Traffic Police officers were conducting checks along Lorong 14 in Geylang on Monday night when a black car approached the roadblock in a slow but unsteady manner at about 11.50pm.

The officers decided to stop the car and check the driver, but he suddenly surged forward and sped through the roadblock.

The officers immediately gave chase, although they were careful during the pursuit, said the police in a statement yesterday.

Chinese evening newspaper Lianhe Wanbao, quoting eyewitnesses, said the driver abandoned his car in Lorong 34 when a large lorry blocked his way.

People having supper at a nearby coffee shop described him as a little pudgy, and said he was wearing slippers and was already out of breath when he ran past them.

A police officer caught up with him in five minutes and arrested him, they said.

One of the eyewitnesses said: "It was like a scene out of a movie, except the whole thing lasted only about 10 minutes."

The police said in their statement that the man was arrested for the offence of dangerous driving, "after a short chase".

The Traffic Police are also investigating the driver for the offences of failing to stop when ordered by a police officer, driving while under disqualification, using a motor vehicle without insurance coverage and driving a vehicle without the owner's consent.

Those caught for dangerous driving will lose their driving licences upon conviction.

In addition, first-time offenders may be fined up to $3,000, jailed up to 12 months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $5,000, jailed up to two years, or both.

zengkun@sph.com.sg

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