A 20-year-old driver from Oudsbergen has been sentenced to 40 months in prison and fined €8,000, both partially suspended, for repeatedly driving into police officers during an alcohol check and subsequent chase.
On the night of 1 August 2024, an alcohol check was conducted in Lanaken. The driver of a modified BMW, accompanied by two passengers, was ordered to take a breathalyser test. After moving approximately 50 metres in the queue, he suddenly accelerated towards the officers, who managed to jump out of the way just in time. Moments later, he turned his vehicle around and drove directly at another officer conducting a check, who narrowly avoided injury.
The driver then fled, pursued by the police. “He drove against the traffic flow,” said Erik Schellingen, representing the officers in court last month. “He crossed continuous white lines, ran red lights, drove without headlights, swerved across the road, reached 136 km/h in a 50 km/h zone, and later hit 200 km/h on the motorway. During these manoeuvres, he deliberately tried to ram the pursuing officers’ vehicle. When finally cornered, his arrogance was evident as he said, ‘I don’t need your lecture’ and ‘It was worth it.'”
Upon checking his documents, it was discovered that the young man had a prior conviction and was under a driving ban. He was also under the influence of cannabis and had previously lost his licence just a month after obtaining it. His BMW contained 4.7 grams of cannabis and 1.3 grams of hashish, which were confiscated. He is also required to pay €1,500 in damages to each of the four involved police officers.
