Cop survives being hit and dragged by vehicle

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MIRI: A police constable who went to the aid of those in a 4WD vehicle survived being hit by another pick-up which dragged him more than 30 metres at Jalan Kubu here.

Mohd Hafizul

The 28-year-old identified as Mohd Hafizul Abdul Rani, from Pulau Pinang has been serving here for two years. He is being treated at Miri Hospital.

Miri deputy police chief, Supt Stanley Jonathan Ringgit contacted yesterday confirmed receiving the report.

“We have detained the 4WD driver, 33, to facilitate our investigation on the incident,” said Stanley.

The incident occurred around 12.50am yesterday when Mohd Hafizul and three police personnel went patrolling under Ops Bersepadu in conjunction with Merdeka celebrations.

On approaching Jalan Kubu, Mohd Hafizul and his colleagues spotted a 4WD vehicle on top of a road divider with four persons inside.

“The patrolmen went out to help release the vehicle. Mohd Hafizul then approached the driver’s side but he was knocked down and dragged by an oncoming 4WD heading from the city centre to Bintulu,” said Stanley.

The constable received several stitches on his chin, apart from a broken nose.

According to sources, the driver of the 4WD that landed on top of a road divider, was trying to avoid a group of ‘Mat Rempit’ (illegal racers) before losing control of the vehicle.

“We didn’t know what to do until the policemen came and helped us,” said the driver.

She said the incident was happening so fast that she was not aware Mohd Hafizul had been hit.

“He (Mohd Hafizul) was standing next to the driver’s seat, when suddenly he was gone.

“Seconds later we saw him being dragged by the vehicle heading towards Bintulu,” the driver recalled.