**Two Arrested After Police Chase in Limassol**
Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested in Limassol on Thursday morning following a dramatic police chase that involved reckless driving and the discharge of warning shots by officers. The suspects are set to appear before the Limassol District Court on Saturday for a remand hearing.
According to a police statement released on Friday, the incident began around 10:40 AM when bicycle officers were conducting routine traffic checks. They attempted to stop a vehicle that was observed lacking a front registration plate. Initially, the driver complied with the officers' request to pull over. However, the situation escalated when the driver allegedly accelerated towards the officers, endangering their safety.
The police reported that the driver continued to operate the vehicle in a reckless manner, disregarding traffic signals and road signs, and colliding with parked cars as he attempted to evade law enforcement. In an effort to halt the pursuit, officers discharged warning shots. Although the driver briefly stopped the vehicle, he soon accelerated again, fleeing the scene.
During the chase, both the driver and his passenger reportedly threw objects at the pursuing police vehicles, causing damage to one officer's windscreen. The pursuit concluded when the vehicle crashed into a traffic light, bringing it to a halt. As police approached the vehicle, the two suspects allegedly assaulted the officers, leading to their eventual arrest.
A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed that the 19-year-old driver was in possession of a knife, resulting in an additional charge for carrying a prohibited weapon.
Two police officers sustained injuries during the pursuit and were transported to Limassol General Hospital for treatment. They received first aid and have since been discharged.
The investigation into the incident is being conducted by the Limassol Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the traffic police. The police have not disclosed any further details regarding the suspects' backgrounds or prior criminal history.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding road safety and the challenges law enforcement faces in managing traffic-related offenses. The authorities are expected to continue their efforts to ensure compliance with traffic regulations and enhance public safety in the region.