Motorcyclist runs over police officer in attempt to avoid check point

A motorcyclist who was speeding near the Rasfannu Artificial Beach ran over a police officer on early Thursday, as he attempted to avoid stopping at a check point.

Adam Zidhan, 23, Ma. Hithala Villa, K. Male’, was arrested by the police following the incident, which took place at around 01:20 am Thursday.

According to the police, Zidhan was speeding and driving recklessly when he ignored instructions by the police to spot at a vehicle check point near Rasfannu.

He hit a police officer as he attempted to flee, said the police.

Zidhan was arrested and his motorcycle was towed.

When presented before the Criminal Court for his remand hearing, the judge remanded him in custody of the police for five days.

The case is under investigation by the police.

The Maldivian capital has seen a string of dangerous accidents in recent weeks, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

The spike in accidents has prompted the police to deploy a greater number of traffic police to patrol the streets of the capital. The police have said they will begin using motorcycles to patrol the Sinamale’ Bridge this week, to speed up response to accidents.

The police have received reports of nearly 2,000 road accidents so far this year, with over 200 accidents reported each month.