Motorcycle rider strikes cop while escaping helmet violation in Tondo
A 23-year-old motorcycle rider injured a police officer and his passenger early Tuesday, March 31, after attempting to evade a checkpoint in Tondo, Manila.
Lenard Macaalay, a resident of Caloocan City, was arrested around 2:25 a.m. along R. Papa Street corner A.C. Herrera Street, Barangay 189, following an incident that began minutes earlier at C. Namie Street corner D. Gomez Street.
The Manila Police District said Sgt. Christopher Bartolome, conducting “Oplan Sita” with a team of officers, spotted Macaalay riding a black Suzuki Skydrive without a helmet, carrying 18-year-old passenger Crusita Rico.
When ordered to stop, Macaalay allegedly sped off, striking Bartolome and causing both the officer and his passenger to fall and sustain injuries.
The suspect fled on foot but was quickly pursued and apprehended by police.
Macaalay faces charges for resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, physical injury, and reckless imprudence resulting in physical injury before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities reminded motorists that checkpoint operations are conducted for public safety and urged compliance with lawful orders to prevent accidents and injuries.