Driver fleeing police in Cēsis hits 132 km/h, drug-like substance found in car
In Cēsis, a driver suspected of being drunk fled from police, reaching speeds of 132 km/h and breaking multiple traffic rules. Officers found a marijuana-like substance in the car, and a criminal case has been opened.
On Thursday, August 20, Latvia's State Police received a report that the driver of an Audi in Cēsis might be under the influence of alcohol. Officers spotted the car near a shopping center and attempted to stop it, activating their patrol vehicle's lights and siren.
The Audi's driver ignored the signal to stop and fled instead, violating a series of traffic regulations along the way. In a zone with a 50 km/h speed limit, the driver reached speeds of up to 132 km/h. During the chase, he ran a red light at an intersection and also disregarded a "Stop" sign, endangering himself and other road users.
Caught near a pond
The chase ended in the yard of a residential property, where the car was abandoned near the edge of a pond. Both the driver and a passenger attempted to flee on foot, but officers managed to catch and detain them. One of the men showed visible signs of intoxication from both alcohol and narcotics. Although warned of possible criminal liability, he refused to take a breath test for alcohol.
Suspicious substance in the car
While inspecting the vehicle's interior, officers found a bag containing a greenish-brown substance resembling marijuana. Its origin remains unknown, and it has been sent for forensic examination.
The State Police has opened a criminal case under Section 259, Part 1, and Section 262.1, Part 1 of the Criminal Law, along with five separate administrative violation proceedings for various offenses. Police note that no person is considered guilty until proven so through the legally established procedure.
