The chase begins

Police say DIAS officers spotted a man removing materials from a building under construction at the junction of Spatōn Avenue and Leontariou Street in Pallini late on Thursday, 22 October 2026. Police gave the time as about 23:20, while one outlet put it at just after 23:30. When officers signalled for him to stop his car, the driver did not comply and sped off, which started a pursuit.

Alleged attempt to ram police

The Hellenic Police (ELAS) say that during the chase the driver tried to ram the DIAS motorcycles, which put the officers at risk. The pursuit continued through the Agiou Anargyrou and Laskari junction, where the driver allegedly made a second attempt to hit the officers' bikes. Reports differ on the exact wording of the manoeuvre, but all describe an attempt to strike the motorcycles rather than an actual collision.

Arrest and items found in the car

After a few minutes, the car was stopped at the junction of Veikou and Makrygianni streets, and officers arrested the driver. One outlet gives the junction as Veikou and Maniaki. Officers found building materials and burglary tools inside the vehicle, and one report says some items were believed to be stolen goods. The man, a Greek citizen, was taken to the local police security station.

Charges and the age discrepancy

A case file was opened against him for dangerous driving, theft, disobedience and violence against public employees. Articles give his age as 43 in four outlets and 42 in one, so the official age is not settled in these reports. Each report stresses that the charges are allegations at this stage, and no court has yet ruled on the case.