Suspected drunk driver flees 20 kilometers, hitting 11 vehicles and a police officer

A suspected drunk driver turned Daegu streets into a 20-kilometer chase, hitting patrol cars, other vehicles and a police officer before police finally forced the vehicle to stop with live ammunition.

Daegu Gangbuk Police said they arrested the driver, a man in his 30s, on suspicion of obstructing public officials in the execution of their duties and violating traffic laws. Police are also investigating a passenger in his 30s on suspicion of aiding drunk driving.

The pursuit began after police received a report at 1:41 a.m. of a foreign-made car suspected of being driven under the influence in Suseong-gu. About seven minutes later, a taxi driver reported that a passenger was being assaulted. Officers found the car and blocked it with a patrol vehicle, but the driver rammed the patrol car and fled.

The driver then struck a five-ton refrigerated truck involved in an argument near Gukwoo Tunnel in Buk-gu. Police later found the car in a residential area and surrounded it. The driver refused orders to get out, then hit an officer and continued trying to escape, striking eight parked cars and another patrol car. Officers fired four live rounds at two tires, used a Taser after the driver exited, and arrested him with the passenger. Both men reportedly refused alcohol tests despite a strong smell of alcohol. Police are considering seeking an arrest warrant. The injured officer remains under hospital care.