Cape Town - A gang of hapless crooks met their match when they made a wrong turn after a high-speed chase and ended up in a dead-end street.
The desperate gang tried to shoot their way out, but alert cops nabbed them.
Spokesperson for Cape Town Traffic Services Maxine Jordaan says four suspects were arrested, while a fifth suspect, a woman, fled on foot.
The drama started at about 11pm on Friday night when a Ghost Squad team tried to pull over the driver of a blue Opel Astra on Klipfontein Road in Athlone.
According to Jordaan, the moving car’s headlights were off.
The male driver was asked to pull over, but refused to comply and sped off.
Cops immediately gave chase and followed the speeding car which turned off in Calendula Road, then Ruby Road, and 7th Avenue, before they hit a dead end in Eighth Avenue.
Jordaan says the suspects then “tried to take evasive action” by reversing into the oncoming patrol car. The cars collided and both came to a stop.
It was then that one of the suspects sitting in the back opened fire on cops.
Jordaan explains: “The left rear passenger in the Opel Astra fired multiple shots at the officers from their car, his bullets struck the left passenger door of the patrol car and the officers then jumped out of their immobilised vehicle and drew their firearms.
“Officers retaliated, and no persons were injured during the exchange of fire.
“The driver of the vehicle and his four occupants, three men and one lady, ran on foot and tried to evade capture.
“The officers arrested the four males, the female suspect however escaped on foot.”
Ammunition and two firearms were recovered on scene, one black and silver 9mm Rugar, with the serial number filed off and a 9mm pellet gun.
“The suspects have been charged with attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, possession of an imitation firearm, tampering with a firearm serial number, reckless/negligent driving and resisting arrest,” says Jordaan.
The suspects will appear in the Athlone Magistrates’ Court soon.