Quick action by Suva taxi operators resulted in the arrest of a man who tried to unlawfully drive off with a vehicle.
According to Police, a 28-year-old woman was driving along Victoria Parade last night and got involved in an accident, and while she was waiting outside her vehicle for Police to arrive at the scene of the incident, she left the key in the ignition.
Police say a man jumped into the driver's seat and drove off with the said vehicle with the two daughters of the owner of the vehicle sitting in the backseat.
Police add they contacted the taxi base around the Suva area and informed them about the stolen vehicle, and they broadcast the information through their Radio Transmitters (RT).
They say the stolen vehicle stopped at Rewa Street to offload the two girls when it was intercepted by a taxi, and this allowed time for Police Officers to catch up and apprehend the suspect.
Police say the suspect ended up assaulting four Police Officers as he tried to resist arrest.
They say he is now in Police custody as investigations continue.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACPO) Livai Driu commended the efforts of Taxi Operators for their quick reaction towards the situation and said this is an example of working together to combat such incidents.
ACP Driu says a team from Totogo Police Station will be visiting these Taxi Operators today to acknowledge them for their assistance.
