A typical Thursday evening took a sensational turn for a taxidriver in Suva when he found himself embroiled in a high-speed chase that ultimately resulted in the rescue of two frightened children.
The event unfolded around 8 PM outside ANZ Bank on Victoria Parade during a routine police patrol. The taxi driver, who requested to remain anonymous, described the moment he saw three men leap into a woman’s car and drive off with her two young children still inside.
As he began pursuing the stolen vehicle, one of the police officers noticed his efforts and jumped into the moving taxi to help in the chase. Despite already accommodating two passengers, the driver followed the car as it sped through various streets, including Toorak, Ami Street, Brown Street, and onto Milverton Road.
When the car made a turn onto Rewa Street, the driver described the harrowing pursuit, noting, “We were very fortunate there were no other vehicles or pedestrians around. I had no choice but to hit it from the front to force him to stop.”
However, the carjacker was determined to escape, accelerating away and attempting to evade capture. Eventually, they found themselves cornered in a dead-end street. The driver effectively blocked them in, asserting control of the situation.
With the vehicle immobilized, the suspects abandoned their car and fled on foot, pursued by the police officer. Inside the vehicle, the driver discovered the two girls, visibly shaken and in tears. He comforted them in their distress, stating, “I was sad to see them like that.”
Reflecting on the entire incident, the driver expressed gratitude for being in the right place at the right time, saying, “When we’re able to help, it’s not by accident.”
The exhilarating chase lasted around 20 minutes, concluding with the safe return of the children to their family. Police have commended the taxidriver’s courageous actions, highlighting how his quick thinking prevented a potentially tragic outcome.
This story serves as a reminder of the impact one individual can have in an emergency, showcasing bravery and resourcefulness that contributes to community safety. It provides a sense of hope that there are everyday heroes among us, ready to act in moments of crisis.
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