PAPAR: A local man is wanted by the law for allegedly giving the police the slip while under their custody.
Norzaleh Md Sipin, 33, from Kota Belud, had allegedly escaped and stolen a police car while he was taken by police to Kampung Sedul in Ranau around 1.30pm last Thursday.
District police chief DSP George Abdul Rakma said the suspect was wanted by the police for numerous theft cases, including stealing a police car.
“He (the suspect) is a very cunning person and would do anything to prevent from being captured.
“He stole a police car and fled the scene while police were questioning a witness,” he told reporters at a press conference at the Papar district police headquarters here yesterday.
According to George, the suspect has four criminal records of housebreaking, robbery, theft and motorcycle theft.
“The suspect was first arrested in Labuan after stealing a cellphone in Kampung Ulu Kimanis in Papar at the end of last month.
“While in Kampung Sedul, he managed to slip away and stole a police vehicle in the process before fleeing from the scene,” said George, adding that a manhunt was immediately carried out and the police car was located and recovered in Telupid three hours later.
Police also believed that Norzaleh is in possession of a police identification card which was left inside the police car, when he stole the vehicle.
The suspect is about five feet five inches tall and have tattoos imprinted on his arms and leg.
“He has the tattoo of a centipede on his right arm, the tattoo of a skull on his left arm and an abstract tattoo on his right calf,” said George, adding that the suspect was believed to be wearing a red T-shirt with an Adidas logo.
George urged the public to immediately inform the nearest police stations if they have any information on the whereabouts of the suspect.
“Members of the public can also contact Inspector Che Rosli at 016-843 7878 or the Papar police station at 088-912222,” said George.