Teen caught in viral clip assaulting police officer arrested
A motorist attacks a police officer at Mirema junction on Kamiti Road, Nairobi, on June 2, 2024.
What you need to know:
- The suspect was captured in viral footage assaulting an officer along Kamiti Road.
- Police have said he will be charged with attempted murder, among other charges.
Police on Sunday night arrested a teen who they believe was caught on camera assaulting a traffic police officer in Kasarani.
Several clips shared on social media went viral for the better part of the day.
The clips showed the suspect assaulting an officer in an incident that happened along Kamiti Road in Nairobi.
The suspect, who has since been identified as Ian Njoroge, was arrested at his hideout in Kayole estate.
Police have said the 19-year-old suspect will be charged with attempted murder, among other charges.
The traffic officer who was attacked is currently recuperating at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital.
According to police reports, the suspect was armed with a sword when he attacked the officer.
The incident happened when they officer attempted to escort the suspect to Kasarani Police Station for a traffic violation.
This prompted the officer to approach the vehicle to clear the road for other users.
However, when the driver saw the officer and attempted to flee, he swerved and, in a moment of miscalculation, hit the kerb and got stuck.
As he struggled to remove the vehicle from the kerb, the officer entered the vehicle and instructed the driver to drive to the police station.
"Upon reaching the QuickMart (supermarket), the driver suddenly stopped and pulled a sword from under the seat. The officer jumped out of the vehicle for his safety and the driver followed him with blows and kicks," the police said in a report.
During the scuffle, the suspect allegedly stole the police officer's pocket phone battery, which has yet to be recovered.
An occupant, who was in the suspect's vehicle during the attack, is also in police custody.
A police officer privy to the investigations said the suspect was arrested in Jacaranda area while allegedly planning to move out.
“He knew he was wanted and had contacted a friend to help him move to Jacaranda estate from his Balozi estate,” our source said.
