Traffic jam leads to the downfall of a taxi thief in Quezon City

• A carnapper was arrested by Cubao police after the taxi he stole from a senior citizen got stuck in heavy traffic along EDSA on February 1
• The suspect allegedly threatened the elderly driver with an ice pick along E. Rodriguez before forcing him out of the vehicle and speeding off
• Authorities caught the suspect at the corner of Ermin Garcia Street after a short foot chase when he decided to abandon the vehicle due to the gridlock
• Police confirmed that the arrested man is a repeat offender who was previously taken into custody for drúg-related charges in 2023

Sometimes, the notorious Manila traffic can actually be a hero. A carnapper learned this the hard way on Sunday afternoon, February 1, when the taxi he had just stolen became a sitting duck in the middle of a congested EDSA. Instead of a high-speed getaway, the suspect found himself trapped by a sea of cars, leading to his eventual arrest.

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According to a report from TV Patrol, the drama began in the E. Rodriguez area of Quezon City. The victim, a senior citizen working as a taxi driver, shared that he picked up the suspect who requested to be taken to Mindanao Avenue. However, the trip took a terrifying turn when the passenger pulled out an ice pick and pointed it at the driver. The suspect then forced the elderly man out of his own livelihood and sped away.

Fortunately, a nearby security guard saw the commotion and immediately assisted the driver. Together, they managed to track the direction of the stolen taxi. Because it was a busy Sunday, the suspect didn't get very far. By the time he reached EDSA, the traffic was so thick that he couldn't move.

P/Lt. Col. Joy Leanza, chief of QCPD-Cubao Station 7, explained that the suspect eventually realized he was cornered. In a desperate move, he jumped out of the taxi and tried to escape on foot. Police officers, who were already on his tail, engaged in a brief chase before finally tackling him at the corner of Ermin Garcia Street.

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The suspect admitted to taking the vehicle but insisted that he did not physically harm the senior citizen. Despite his claims, he is now back behind bars—a familiar place for him, as records show he was previously arrested for illegal drúgs in 2023. He is now facing serious charges for violating the Anti-Carnapping Act.

Quezon City is known for its busy streets and heavy police presence, especially in transport hubs like Cubao. This area is a frequent spot for both commuters and petty criminals. This latest incident serves as a warning that while the streets of the metro are often unpredictable, the law—and the traffic—can catch up to anyone.

While this case had a fortunate ending for the driver, vehicle theft remains a persistent issue in various parts of the country. Here are other recent reports involving similar crimes:

In a strikingly similar case, two suspects were apprehended by authorities after their escape vehicle was immobilized by heavy traffic. The duo had reportedly stolen a vehicle but underestimated the congestion in the metropolitan area, allowing police to catch up and make an arrest. This highlights a recurring theme where the city's gridlock inadvertently assists law enforcement in recovering stolen property.

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Authorities in Misamis Oriental recently took a teenager into custody following a carnapping incident involving a motorcycle. Despite his young age, the suspect was identified through CCTV footage and witness accounts, leading to a swift police operation. The case has raised concerns about the involvement of minors in organized vehicle theft and the need for stricter community vigilance.

Source: KAMI.com.gh