A dramatic police chase led to the arrest of a lone highway robber who had been terrorizing truck drivers along the Isiolo-Garbatula Junction. The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Ibrahim Hassan, was captured near Archer’s Police Post after an intense pursuit that ended in a crash.
The incident unfolded late at night when Hassan posed as a stranded traveler and flagged down a white Mitsubishi lorry, registration number KCC 723S. The unsuspecting driver, showing an act of kindness, agreed to give him a lift to Archer’s town. However, upon reaching the destination, Hassan refused to alight as agreed. Instead, he brandished a knife and threatened the driver, forcing him to continue the journey against his will.
Sensing imminent danger, the driver took a desperate but strategic move—jumping out of the moving lorry to escape. He rushed to Archer’s Post, where he reported the incident to police officers. Without wasting time, the officers sprang into action, launching a pursuit to apprehend the suspect.
Meanwhile, Hassan, realizing his plot was exposed, attempted to flee by commandeering the lorry toward Isiolo town. In his attempt to evade the authorities, he took an unfamiliar murram road, hoping to disappear into the rugged terrain. However, fate had other plans.
In a dramatic turn of events, his chosen escape route led him straight back to Archer’s Post, where police officers had already mobilized to intercept him. Realizing he was trapped, Hassan panicked and lost control of the lorry, which veered off the road and crashed into a tree.
The police swiftly moved in and arrested him at the crash site. A subsequent search revealed a panga, a knife, and a screwdriver in his possession, confirming his criminal intentions.
Hassan was immediately taken into police custody and is undergoing processing for arraignment. His arrest brings relief to truck drivers who had fallen victim to his reign of terror along the Isiolo-Garbatula route. Law enforcement officials have urged motorists to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to prevent similar incidents.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) praised the quick response of Archer’s Police Post officers, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of road users. This incident serves as a stern warning to criminals attempting to exploit the region’s road network for illegal activities.
Hassan now faces multiple charges, including robbery with violence and unlawful possession of weapons, and is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
