Dangerous Chase on A-31 Highway to Capture Three Thieves

Local Police in Elda have arrested three individuals following a lengthy chase on the highway. The suspects fled after stealing fuel from a truck parked in the El Pastoret Industrial Estate in Monóvar.

The incident began around 00:30 on Thursday when Elda police officers received a call from Monóvar's Local Police requesting assistance after a report of a theft of diesel from a truck parked in the El Pastoret industrial estate.

The suspect vehicle involved in the incident was located minutes later in the Campo Alto Industrial Estate. At that moment, Elda's Local Police patrols on duty attempted to identify the car's occupants. However, after ramming the police officers, they fled, joining the A-31 highway towards Alicante.

During the chase, the vehicle's driver drove recklessly through the town and on the highway, endangering other road users and officers. Ultimately, the three occupants were arrested near Monforte after a pursuit joined by local police from Novelda and Elche, as well as the National Police from Elda.

The detainees, facing charges of diesel theft, assaulting law enforcement officers, and reckless driving, attempted to ram several police patrols again during their escape. After the arrest, several diesel canisters and tools used in the theft were found in the vehicle's trunk.

Three Elda Local Police officers sustained injuries during the intervention. Their swift action, along with coordination with other police forces, led to the suspects' arrest and the recovery of the stolen materials. Investigations remain ongoing to determine if the detainees are linked to other similar crimes in the area.