Tongatapu man dies after police car pursuit ends in foot chase

A 42-year-old man has died after attempting to escape police pursuit in Tongatapu.

The chase began after midday today at around 12.30pm when a patrol officer spotted  the suspect at the Konifelenisi petrol station in Fanga.

The suspect failed to stop on Police request before he fled south on Taufa’ahau Road in his own vehicle while being pursued by Police.

“Police were trying to execute a Bench Warrant issued on 24 May 2022 for the arrest of the suspect”, a Police statement said.

The suspect stopped at Ha’ateiho where he parked his vehicle and continued to flee Police by foot.

“Police, within 100m, caught up with him at a Ha‘ateiho residence”, it said.

“The police officer that first caught the suspect noticed that the suspect was having trouble breathing.

“The suspect soon became unconscious and the police officers at the scene, quickly rushed him to the Vaiola Hospital.

Police said Dr. Pafilio Tangitau confirmed the suspect dead on arrival.

“A Tonga Police Executive member has spoken to the deceased’s widow, conveying Tonga Police’s condolences for their loss.

“As a matter of Police procedure, an investigation into the incident has been launched. Contact Police on 740-1660 or 922 to report any crime.”

About The Author

Sometimes when a business is growing, it needs a little help.

Right now Kaniva News provides a free, politically independent, bilingual news service for readers around the world that is absolutely unique. We are the largest New Zealand-based Tongan news service, and our stories reach Tongans  wherever they are round the world. But as we grow, there are increased demands on Kaniva News for translation into Tongan on our social media accounts and for the costs associated with expansion. We believe it is important for Tongans to have their own voice and for Tongans to preserve their language, customs and heritage. That is something to which we are strongly committed. That’s why we are asking you to consider sponsoring our work and helping to preserve a uniquely Tongan point of view for our readers and listeners.

spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img

Latest news

Related news