Taxi operators in Suva played an essential role in the apprehension of a man trying to steal a vehicle with two young children inside.
The incident took place last night when a 28-year-old woman was involved in a minor accident on Victoria Parade. While she awaited police assistance, she left the keys in the ignition of her vehicle. In a swift and alarming move, a man jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off with the woman’s two daughters in the backseat.
As soon as the police were notified, they alerted taxi operators in the area about the stolen vehicle. Utilizing their Radio Transmitters (RT), the information was quickly disseminated throughout the network. Later, the vehicle was spotted on Rewa Street, where the suspect stopped to let the two girls out of the car.
A nearby taxi operator acted promptly by intercepting the vehicle, which significantly bought time for the police to arrive and apprehend the suspect. However, the man put up resistance and assaulted four police officers during the arrest. Despite his attempts to evade capture, he was eventually taken into custody, and investigations are continuing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu commended the taxi operators for their quick actions, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration in crime prevention. “These taxi operators assisted the police in apprehending the culprit, demonstrating the power of working together,” said ACP Driu.
In a gesture of gratitude, a team from the Totogo Police Station plans to visit the taxi operators today to express thanks for their vital assistance in resolving the situation.
This event not only highlights the commendable responsiveness of the local community but also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in maintaining public safety.
Overall, it is heartening to see community members stepping up to help protect children and support law enforcement in times of crisis.
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