Police officers have opened fire on a lorry that was stolen from the Wattala area and was being driven away, after it failed to comply with orders to stop in Kaduwela.

Following the incident, a 25-year-old suspect was arrested, according to police.

Upon his arrest, police discovered a locally-manufactured hand grenade in his possession.

The lorry, loaded with vegetables destined for a supermarket in Norochcholai, had been parked near a tea stall in Wattala when the driver stepped away to have tea. 

During this time, the suspect stole the vehicle, police said. 

A three-wheeler pursued the lorry but was unable to stop it, prompting authorities to intervene through the vehicle’s GPS tracking system.

Police initially attempted to stop the lorry in the Wellampitiya area, but the suspect disregarded their orders. 

Multiple police teams then pursued the vehicle, leading to several gunfire in both the Talahena and Kaduwela areas. 

Despite police efforts, the suspect continued to evade capture, colliding with two cars, a bus, and a three-wheeler during the chase. 

Additionally, a gate behind the Ministry of Education in Isurupaya sustained damage as a result of the incident.

In an effort to halt the escape, authorities used lorries to block the road in Kaduwela town and set up roadblocks. 

The suspect, however, attempted to turn back at this location. At that moment, police officers fired additional shots at the lorry, ultimately bringing it to a stop near the Kaduwela court complex.

The suspect, a 25-year-old resident of Kelaniya, was taken into custody while attempting to flee. 

He is scheduled to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court for further legal proceedings.