A dramatic police chase unfolded at Lake Balaton on 20 August after a driver who was initially stopped near Aszófő allegedly sped away, crashed into several police vehicles and tried to hit officers on a cycle path. Four police officers suffered minor injuries, while the driver was taken to hospital.
Lake Balaton car chase: Driver fled after police tried to stop him
Police received a report late on Thursday afternoon that a car was travelling erratically on main road 71, near kilometre 58. Officers stopped the vehicle at the Aszófő rest area, but the driver suddenly accelerated away towards the centre of Tihany. He subsequently collided with a police vehicle.
Officers attempted to stop him again in Tihany, but the man drove onto a cycle path, where he allegedly tried to run over police officers who were there. Police then fired targeted shots at the vehicle’s tyres in an attempt to bring it to a halt.
Car continued despite damaged tyres
The shooting did not immediately end the chase. Despite its damaged tyres, the vehicle continued at high speed. The driver was again confronted by police in Balatonfüred, where the car collided with a police vehicle before speeding away. Shortly afterwards, it struck another police vehicle.
The pursuit finally came to an end when the car crashed into an electricity pole. According to police, the driver had continuously endangered other road users as well as the lives and physical safety of pedestrians and cyclists during the escape.
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Four officers suffered minor injuries
Four police officers sustained minor injuries during the operation, while the driver was also taken to hospital. Police said an investigation into all the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.
The dramatic chase took place on Hungary’s national holiday, when the Lake Balaton region was particularly busy with visitors and holidaymakers.
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