Police fire warning shots to catch fleeing defendant (updated)

A defendant attempted to flee from his court hearing early on Thursday, leading to police firing warning shots in the air as they dashed after him.

The 44-year-old managed to dodge his court appearance as he instead ended up in Famagusta hospital to receive treatment for minor injuries – sustained as the police grappled him as he was recaptured.

The brazen escape attempt took place just before 10am as he exited the police car which drove him to Famagusta district court in Paralimni, where he was scheduled to face charges for petty crimes, namely theft, allegedly carried out in 2021.

Police spokesman Christos Andreou told the Cyprus News Agency that the defendant was being driven to Paralimni from the central prisons in Nicosia.

He detailed that the 44-year-old made a run for it as one of the police officers opened the vehicle door. The failed escape saw the defendant tackled to the ground just a few metres away from the court building.

Andreou further stated that two officers who gave chase were also injured, and they were taken to hospital by ambulance. All three are set to be released later on Thursday.

The Famagusta police spokesman was not immediately available for comment.