A male driver is set to face court after a dramatic police operation brought an end to his reckless escapades this week.
The arrest followed a high-speed pursuit on Tuesday, March 25, involving a vehicle previously reported for failing to stop for police, culminating in its seizure on Rathkeel Road in Broughshane.
The saga began on 17 March when the same vehicle evaded officers from Causeway Coast in Ballycastle, speeding off and leaving police in its wake.
Determined to prevent further danger, the Road Policing Interceptor (RPI) team from Sprucefield devised a plan. On Tuesday afternoon, they positioned themselves strategically along Rathkeel Road in Broughshane, ready to intercept the suspect.
After deploying a pre-emptive sting operation to disable the car, a brief chase ensued. However, the pursuit was swiftly and safely concluded by tactically trained officers, who brought the vehicle to a controlled stop. The driver, a man whose identity has not been disclosed, was arrested at the scene.
Police investigations revealed a litany of offences. The suspect faces charges including failing to stop for police, driving without insurance, lacking a valid driving licence, operating a vehicle with no MOT, and driving a car deemed to be in a dangerous condition. The vehicle itself, now seized by authorities, has been classified as a "runabout" – a term police use to describe unroadworthy cars that pose significant risks on the road.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) commented, "Drivers in unroadworthy vehicles like this are amongst the most dangerous and unpredictable on our roads.”
In a light-hearted aside, the police noted that they opted not to pursue additional charges for the vehicle’s two flat tyres, which were a result of the sting operation.
The suspect is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks, where he will answer for his actions.
Meanwhile, the PSNI has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected "runabouts" in their communities. Information can be shared by calling 101, using the online reporting portal on the PSNI website, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by uninsured and poorly maintained vehicles, and the police’s ongoing efforts to keep Northern Ireland’s roads safe.