In a commendable show of community cooperation, Suva taxi operators played a crucial role in the arrest of a man who attempted to steal a vehicle while a driver was waiting for police assistance following an accident.
The incident unfolded on Victoria Parade, where a 28-year-old woman was involved in a collision. While she waited outside her vehicle, unfortunately, she left the key in the ignition. Seizing the moment, a suspect jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off, with the woman’s two daughters still in the backseat.
Quickly reacting to the theft, the police reached out to local taxi operators in Suva and shared details about the stolen car, which were promptly broadcast through their Radio Transmitters (RT). The stolen vehicle was located on Rewa Street, where it stopped briefly to let the two girls out. This gave a nearby taxi operator the opportunity to intercept the vehicle, allowing police to arrive on the scene and apprehend the suspect.
During the arrest, the suspect resorted to violence, physically assaulting four police officers in an attempt to resist capture. He has since been taken into custody, and investigations are ongoing.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu praised the swift action of the taxi operators, highlighting their collaborative spirit in combating crime. “These taxi operators had assisted Police in apprehending the culprit, and this is an example of working together to combat such incidents,” said ACP Driu. In recognition of their efforts, a team from the Totogo Police Station is scheduled to visit the taxi operators to express their gratitude.
This incident reinforces the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in enhancing public safety. It serves as a hopeful reminder that when citizens act together, they can effectively deter criminal activities and support local law enforcement.
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