Rider who snatched motorist’s phone dies in chase

A motorcycle rider who snatched a cell phone from a motorist died following a car chase with the victim in Barangay Zapote in Las Piñas City early Monday morning.

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the chase caused the motorist’s car to crash into the motorcycle.

Witnesses said the car driver could have hit the motorcycle on purpose after they saw the rider snatch the former’s phone.

“Naglalakad ako papunta rito bigla hinablutan ng cellphone yung nakakotse ng naka-motor,” a witness said.

(I was walking when the motorcycle rider snatched the phone of the car driver.)

“Nakita ko nakahandusay na lang yung nabunggo. Sabi ng may-ari ng nakabunggo, yung kotse, kaya raw nya hinabol kasi nahablutan siya ng cellphone kaya niya daw hinabul at binunggo para makuha yung cellphone,” another witness said.

(I saw the rider already lying on the ground. The car driver said he chased him because he wanted to get back his cellphone.)

However, the police said the motorcycle rider stopped in the middle of the chase which caused the motorist to hit him.

“Biglang huminto ang biktima kaya nabundol ng suspect ang likurang bahagi ng motorcycle na sanhi ng pagkatilapon ng biktima sa bangketa,” said Las Piñas Police Traffic Sector chief Police Captain Bryan Raquinio, The rider was brought to the hospital, but he eventually died.

(The victim suddenly stopped so the suspect hit the motorcycle’s rear end and caused the former to be thrown onto the sidewalk.)

The police said the motorcycle rider, who died, is also facing charges for robbery, violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and illegal gambling activities.

The car driver, on the other hand, surrendered to the authorities and will undergo inquest for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property.

The rider’s family declined to give a comment. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News