A police chase in Kakamega County ended with the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of three head of cattle believed to have been stolen after a vehicle attempting to evade a police checkpoint lost control and crashed into a ditch. Two other suspects managed to escape into a nearby thicket, with detectives now pursuing them.
The incident happened in the early hours of Tuesday, July 7, as officers from Khwisero Police Station were conducting a vehicle checkpoint at Khumusalaba Junction.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), officers flagged down a suspicious vehicle that was travelling from the Mumias–Ekero direction towards Buyangu.
Police said the driver allegedly made a sudden U-turn after spotting the checkpoint, raising suspicion that the occupants were attempting to avoid arrest. The officers immediately pursued the vehicle.
"The pursuit culminated at Mushiangubu area, where the fleeing vehicle lost control and veered off the road before landing in a ditch," the police said in a statement.
Officers rushed to the scene and arrested one of the occupants, while two others abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby thicket before they could be apprehended.
"The officers swiftly responded to the scene and managed to arrest one of the occupants. However, two other suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped into a nearby thicket," the statement said.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three head of cattle suspected to have been stolen.
Police said the animals were escorted to Khwisero Police Station, where they are being kept as investigations continue and await identification by their rightful owners.
"The animals were safely recovered and escorted to Khwisero Police Station, where they are currently being kept pending identification and collection by their rightful owners," NPS said.
The arrested suspect has since been arraigned in court, while detectives continue with investigations aimed at identifying and arresting the two suspects who escaped during the chase.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and protecting members of the public.
"The National Police Service remains committed to safeguarding life and property, disrupting criminal activities, and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice," the statement added.