A MAN with 16 previous criminal records was shot in the head after allegedly attempting to flee police during a car chase that ended in a collision involving several vehicles on Jalan Gertak Merah in Joho Bharu yesterday.
Johor police chief Datuk Ab. Rahaman Arsad said police fired two shots at the Honda City driven by the 28-year-old local man after he allegedly tried to escape.
“One shot hit the suspect in the head, while the other hit the vehicle,” he told a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters here today.
The suspect was injured in the incident, while his 29-year-old female companion, who was in the same vehicle, was also arrested to assist investigations.
Ab. Rahaman said the car had been driven recklessly and was pursued by police for about 1km before crashing into several other civilian vehicles.
A search of the vehicle uncovered seven plastic packets suspected to contain ecstasy and 17 vape cartridges containing liquid suspected to contain ketamine. The seized drugs were estimated to be worth RM6,350.
Checks revealed that the male suspect had 16 previous criminal records involving various offences, including drug-related crimes, gang robbery, rape and vehicle theft.
His female companion had one previous criminal record involving a drug offence.
“Urine screening tests found both suspects positive for methamphetamine,” Ab. Rahaman said.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder, Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless and dangerous driving, and Sections 39B and 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
New reported cited that the shooting occurred on Jalan Gertak Merah, near the main entrance to Johor Zoo. - October 9, 2026
