Car rams police patrol in Antirrio after driver refuses stop, then flees on foot amid large search
A driver near the Rio-Antirrio Bridge ignored a police stop, hit a patrol car, abandoned his vehicle in a field and escaped on foot early Sunday, triggering an extensive manhunt.
The incident
A passenger vehicle travelling in the settlement of Agios Panteleimonas, just before the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, failed to stop at a police checkpoint in the early hours of Sunday, 26 July 2026. The driver refused to comply with the signal to halt and, while trying to evade the officers, deliberately rammed a Hellenic Police (ELAS) patrol car.
The chase and escape
Immediately after the collision, the driver abandoned the damaged car in a field near the local cemetery and fled on foot. A large-scale police operation was launched, with strong forces searching the wider Antirrio area. The abandoned vehicle was removed for laboratory testing to determine whether it contained illegal objects or other evidence that could aid the investigation.
Detentions and leads
Minutes after the incident, two individuals were brought in to be examined for possible links to the case. However, following questioning, it was established that neither person was connected to the driver or the event. Local residents reported hearing gunshots during the police operation. That information has not been confirmed by the Hellenic Police as of Sunday morning.
Ongoing search
The driver remains at large. ELAS officers continue to comb the broader Antirrio region for any trace of the suspect. Official announcements from the competent authorities are expected once the investigation sheds more light on the case.
