Man who led cops on car chase faces raps

MANILA, Philippines — The man who went amuck and led police on a wild car chase from Quezon City to Manila on Tuesday is facing more trouble for his actions.

Police are readying a slew of charges against Arvin Tan, 48, including violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act after a sachet of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia were allegdly found in his black BMW car.

“We will file charges of drug possession against him once na lumabas ang resulta na ito ay shabu,” Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said.

Kamuning police station 10 commander Lt. Col. Alex Alberto said they are waiting for Tan’s drug test result.

Apart from drug charges, Yarra said they would also file complaints against Tan for reckless imprudence resulting in physical injuries and damage to property, estafa, robbery and extortion.

Tan hit at least five vehicles, including two police cars and a tricycle, during the car chase that lasted more than one hour.

The suspect had refused to pay his bill at the Sogo Hotel where he had checked in with a woman. He instead demanded P20,000 from the establishment’s employees.

Yarra said that in 2017, Tan had also caused a commotion at the Manila Police District headquarters after he was arrested at his home in Quezon City.

Cpl. Edwin Tiburcio, who shot the tires of Tan’s vehicle, was injured after a bullet shrapnel ricocheted and hit him.

A video clip of the standoff at the corner of Recto and Nicanor Reyes Avenues in Manila showed Tan being chased by police and boarding a police vehicle.

Probers said they were having difficulty dealing with Tan as he remains uncooperative in the hospital where he is confined, QCPD spokesperson Maj. Wennie Ann Calle said in a phone interview.