MUKAH: A 19-year-old teenager was arrested late Friday after police traced a stolen motorcycle to a house in Dalat, leading to a brief chase before villagers managed to apprehend him.
Mukah Police Chief, DSP Muhamad Rizal Alias, said the motorcycle had been reported missing on November 12 after the owner parked it in front of a shop in Mukah town.
“The motorcycle was found in front of a house in Kampung Hilir, Dalat. During the inspection, the suspect, who was believed to be involved in the theft, fled upon realising the presence of police,” he said in a statement.
Rizal said the escape was short-lived, as the owner – with help from several members of the public – managed to detain the teen near Kampung Teh Mosque around 11:40 pm before handing him over to Dalat police.
Mukah Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later took custody of the suspect at 2:00 am for further action.
A urine test came back negative for drugs, and checks showed he had no prior criminal record.
The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for motorcycle theft, which carries a jail term of one to seven years and a possible fine.
The suspect has been remanded for four days until December 9 to facilitate investigation.
