Suspect escapes after police van breaks down

GEORGE TOWN: One of three accused being transferred to the Balik Pulau Hospital made a daring escape from custody when the police van they were in broke down at a traffic-light junction in Jalan Paya Terubong just after midnight yesterday.
Northeast district police chief ACP Anuar Omar said the 43-year-old suspect, being held for an offence under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, fled from police custody at about 2.30am while the other two stayed in the van.
He said the van was taking them to Balik Pulau Hospital from a central lock-up in Bayan Baru for treatment when the incident occurred.
He said the suspect, who was still handcuffed, fled when police opened the vehicle's door for inspection after the brake malfunctioned.
He said the suspect who escaped was from Alor Star and was expected to attend a court case today.
"An operation has since been mounted to search for the suspect," he said in a statement while investigations were being carried out for negligence and escaping from police custody.