Hoima, Uganda: Police in Hoima City have arrested a married woman and launched a manhunt for a man who allegedly knocked down a police officer before fleeing during a dramatic late-night operation targeting a suspicious vehicle parked near a school.
The incident occurred at around 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, in Kijungu Isaka Cell, Central Ward, Hoima East Division, after police received intelligence about a white Toyota Wish, registration number UBQ 697X, that had been parked in bushes near Winners International Secondary School.
According to police, the report alleged that a schoolgirl had earlier been seen entering the vehicle, prompting concerns over possible criminal activity.
Acting on the tip-off, the Deputy Criminal Investigations Officer (DCIO) of Hoima CBD, together with other detectives, proceeded to the scene, backed by an armed Quick Response Team (QRT) on motorcycles.
Upon arrival, officers found the vehicle parked in the secluded area as reported. They approached and discovered a man and a woman inside.
Police ordered the occupants to open the vehicle, but the driver allegedly ignored the instructions. Instead, he reportedly started the vehicle and sped off in an attempt to evade arrest.
During the escape, the vehicle knocked down Corporal Twongo Julius, who landed on the bonnet of the moving car.
In response, Police Constable Christopher Mwebaza fired three rounds aimed at deflating the vehicle’s tyres in an effort to stop the fleeing suspect.
Despite the gunfire, the driver continued driving.
Corporal Twongo later managed to jump off the moving vehicle, sustaining minor injuries. Moments later, the fleeing driver allegedly pushed the female passenger out of the vehicle before continuing his escape.
The woman was immediately arrested by officers at the scene.
Police identified the suspect as Namutebi Norah, 29, a married housewife and resident of Kijungu Isaka Cell.
Investigators say preliminary findings indicate she was involved in the incident while her husband was reportedly away at work.
The fleeing driver later abandoned the damaged vehicle along the Hoima–Karyabwire Road before escaping on foot.
Police recovered the Toyota Wish, which had sustained damage to both the front and rear tyres from the gunfire, and towed it to Hoima Central Police Station for forensic examination and further investigations.
The injured police officer received treatment and was reported to have sustained only minor injuries.
Police have since opened a case of attempted murder under reference SD 02/06/07/26, citing the alleged attempt to ram officers during the escape.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the identity of the fleeing driver, determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and verify the initial information that prompted the operation.
Police have appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect to report to the nearest police station.
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