Tuk-tuk thief leads Baghdad police on chase before arrest

BAGHDAD — Baghdad’s Crime Control Directorate apprehended a suspect on Tuesday accused of stealing numerous tuk-tuks in several city districts, following a chase that erupted after the suspect fired at officers.

According to a statement released by the Interior Ministry, crime control units from the Al-Hurriya office arrested the man suspected of stealing as many as 17 tuk-tuks in Al-Hurriya, Al-Ghazaliya, and Al-Khadraa neighborhoods.

The suspect reportedly resisted arrest, opening fire at officers during the execution of an arrest warrant. Officers pursued the suspect and apprehended him, confiscating a pistol and empty casings.

A judge ordered the suspect’s detention and initiated legal proceedings in accordance with Article 443 of the Penal Code, the ministry said.

The suspect’s arrest comes amid a surge in tuk-tuk thefts in Baghdad, prompting concern among drivers. The ministry did not specify if the thefts were linked.

In response to the rising crime rate, many tuk-tuk owners have reportedly resorted to installing GPS tracking systems on their vehicles. Despite these measures, thefts continue to occur.

In a separate incident in February, Baghdad’s Anti-Crime Directorate arrested two individuals suspected of robbing a tuk-tuk and killing its driver.