Police officer, minister’s daughter critically injured in checkpoint incident

A police officer, the daughter of Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Pio Tikoduadua, is in critical but stable condition at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital after being struck during a highspeed police chase early yesterday morning.

Police say the officer was on duty at a checkpoint in Laqere as part of a joint operations team when a driver of a vehicle failed to stop when instructed.

The refusal triggered a pursuit that quickly escalated into a dangerous chase through the Tovata and Makoi areas.

During the incident, the fleeing vehicle and pursuing police units were involved in multiple collisions. The officer was hit when the suspects’ vehicle allegedly rammed into her during the pursuit, causing severe injuries.

Three suspects were later arrested. Police confirmed one of them is a known criminal. Officers also seized white substances believed to be methamphetamine, along with house break-in tools.

Authorities have since intensified joint operations nationwide as part of an ongoing crackdown on organised criminal activity.

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said such attacks on officers would be dealt with firmly.

“Such attacks on members of the joint operations team will not be taken lightly,” he said.

Investigations into the incident are continuing as police examine the full sequence of events leading up to the chase and collision.