What started as a buy-bust operation turned into a car chase after the subject of the bust tried to escape in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

In a viral video, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) is seen speeding as a group of men threw a plastic chair at the vehicle outside an establishment in Barangay Cannery.

The incident alarmed motorists who believed initially what they were seeing was a road rage incident.

The vehicle was cornered near a tricycle terminal in the area. It hit one of the tricycles and tried to reverse and escape, but gunshots were fired at its tires.

Authorities eventually arrested the driver, a 28-year-old mechanic and a resident of Barangay Dadiangas North, General Santos City.

Police said the driver was the subject of the buy-bust and was trying to evade arrest.

“Yan po ay buy-bust nang malaman niya na operatiba pala, pulis yung kanyang ka-transakyon, siya ay tumakbo… pinilit po niyang makasibat sa pagkaka-aresto ng mga pulis,” Polomolok Municipal Police Station Chief, Lt. Col. Harold Vidal Cornel, said.

Seized from the suspect were sachets of suspected shabu worth around P300,000.

He was arrested earlier but was allowed probation until authorities found out he had returned to the illegal drug trade.

“He was previously arrested ng PDEA, and he is now on probation dahil sa plea bargaining, kakalabas lang this February. Paglabas niya this February, na-monitor ng ating operatiba na ang kanyang illegal transaction ay pinagpatuloy po niya,” Cornel added.

The suspect denied the allegations.

The suspect is facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property.