A 19-year-old man was arrested Thursday afternoon after fleeing a police traffic stop in Paphos and later resisting arrest, authorities said.
Police signaled the driver to stop during routine traffic checks near the city, but he accelerated and committed multiple traffic violations in an attempt to evade officers.
The vehicle was later intercepted, and the suspect was taken into custody for offenses committed on the spot. During the arrest, he resisted and managed to escape, prompting an officer to fire warning shots into the air.
While fleeing, the suspect dropped a nylon bag containing a small quantity of cannabis. He later returned to the scene, where a search of his vehicle was conducted with his written consent. Officers found small amounts of cocaine and cannabis, which were seized as evidence.
The suspect tested positive in a preliminary drug test. A court warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of assaulting a police officer, resisting lawful arrest, and escaping custody.
The Paphos branch of the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) is continuing its investigation.
