Tyre-changing Samaritan turns scoundrel, steals car in Dubai

Attempted hijacking ended when police used a tactical manoeuvre during a high-speed chase, cutting off any chance of escape.

Dubai Police surround a Hyundai in Cargo Village after a three-hour car chase to apprehend a carjacker. Courtesy Dubai Police

DUBAI // An attempted carjacking was foiled by police on Saturday morning following a high-speed car chase through the streets of Dubai.

The owner of the rented vehicle, an Asian national, told police a Tanzanian man had approached to help him change a flat tyre. Once the tyre was changed, the Tanzanian man hopped in the front seat of the Hyundai and drove off.

General Mohammad Saif Al Zafeen, head of Dubai Traffic Police, said they gave chase for three hours after they had been alerted to the theft on Al Nahda Road.

The car was eventually surrounded by police vehicles near Cargo Village and forced to come to a halt. The hijacker then got out of the car and fled on foot, forcing police to give chase again. He made it less than a kilometre before police apprehended him.

The man has been referred to prosecutors.