PORT ELIZABETH - MAN CAUGHT STEALING CAR BATTERY FROM RANGE ROVER CLOSE TO STANFORD ROAD ON-RAMP

Port Elizabeth police dog, Max tackled a fleeing suspect who was trying to steal a car battery from a Range Rover which is believed to have broken down along the N2, just before the Stanford Road on-ramp.

The Range Rover is registered to a Pretoria-based business, which appears to have closed.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the vehicle was found abandoned shortly before 5am on Sunday on the grass verge near the Stanford Road on-ramp.

“The K9 unit members were driving past when they spotted the car. They stopped to assist when they saw that the front passenger side window was shattered.

“As they approached the vehicle, a man started to run across the grass field towards Livingstone Hospital.

“Police gave chase but the suspected failed to stop despite several warnings. Max was released and tackled the 33-year-old man,” she said.

“On inspection of the vehicle is was found that the suspect had removed the vehicle grill and was trying to remove the car battery.”

Naidu said detectives were still trying to locate the owner.

“No valuables were found inside the vehicle and it is unclear how the vehicle ended up alongside the N2.

“Leads are being followed up by detectives but the car is fitted with Gauteng license plates and is not yet reported stolen,” she said.

via - HERALDLIVE