Police Chase in Riga Ends in Crash; Cigarette Contraband Found

State Police have released new details about a chase that occurred in Riga this morning, ending in an accident on Sergei Eisenstein Street. The incident began around 6 AM when Riga Municipal Police received a call about an aggressive and erratic man at a gas station.

Upon arrival, officers spotted the suspect already inside a white Ford car. When they tried to assess the situation, the driver did not respond and drove off. Municipal Police repeatedly ordered the vehicle to stop, but the driver ignored the commands. At one point he stopped but refused to get out or comply.

Additional State Police units were called, but even after their arrival the driver resumed fleeing. During the chase, the Ford driver significantly exceeded the speed limit, side-swiped a State Police patrol car, and continued. Shortly after, he crashed into an Audi ahead. Both the Ford driver and the Audi driver sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital.

Initial tests showed the Ford driver had not consumed alcohol, but he will be tested for possible drug influence. Police have initiated two administrative proceedings for the traffic accidents and a criminal case for disobeying an order to stop the vehicle.

Additionally, after the crash, officers found ten cartons of cigarettes without Latvian excise stamps in the Audi, leading to a separate administrative proceeding. The investigation continues.