A suspect was arrested in Kaduwela after hijacking a lorry and attempting to evade police, who fired gunshots to stop the vehicle, Kaduwela Police said.
The suspect, 25, a resident of Kelaniya, was found carrying a locally made hand grenade at the time of his arrest.
The incident began in Wattala when a lorry transporting vegetables from Norochcholai to a supermarket was left unattended near a tea shop. As the driver stepped away, the suspect took control and drove off.
The driver pursued the lorry in a three-wheeler but was unable to stop it. He then alerted police and provided GPS tracking details.
Officers attempted to intercept the lorry in Wellampitiya, but the suspect continued driving. Police teams pursued him toward Kaduwela, firing gunshots in Thalahena and Kaduwela in an effort to halt the vehicle.
During the chase, the lorry crashed into two cars, a bus, and a three-wheeler. It also damaged the rear gate of the Education Ministry in Isurupaya.
In Kaduwela town, police used another lorry to block the road. As the suspect tried to turn around, officers fired additional shots before stopping the vehicle near the Kaduwela court complex. The suspect attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended.
He is set to be presented before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court. (NewsWire)
