Drugged Driver in Stolen Car Crashes into Police Vehicles During Typhoon in Hualien

Amidst the heavy rains of Typhoon Bawei, a drugged driver led police on a chase through the streets of Hualien, Taiwan, in a stolen pickup truck in the early hours of July 11.

Police spotted the white pickup truck swerving erratically and discovered it was reported stolen earlier that week. When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver sped away, initiating a pursuit that spanned over a kilometer through the city. Three police cars eventually cornered the truck, forcing it to crash into a police vehicle and parked cars before coming to a halt.

The driver, identified as a 48-year-old man with prior convictions for theft and drug offenses, was apprehended. A saliva test confirmed the presence of drugs, and police found used methamphetamine and residue bags on his person. He now faces charges including violating drug control laws, vehicle theft, reckless endangerment due to drugged driving, and obstructing official business. The incident, which occurred on Bo'ai Street, fortunately resulted in no injuries, though police and civilian vehicles sustained damage.

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Get out of the car, get down!