A man in Lisbon, Portugal, caused multiple injuries after allegedly stealing a car and driving it into pedestrians and other vehicles Saturday night, according to early reports. The incident underscores the potential for danger during vehicle thefts.
The driver, described by witnesses as being “very agitated,” attempted to flee on foot after crashing into a wall, but was unable to evade capture.
Police were alerted to the situation at 10:17 p.m. Local time on Rua Nova da Trindade, in the Chiado district. Officers initially focused on providing aid to those injured before beginning a search for the suspect, who they later identified.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly tried to prevent the suspect from escaping on foot, but their efforts were unsuccessful. The owner of the vehicle had been dining at a nearby restaurant at the time of the theft.
The suspect is believed to be between 26 and 30 years old, according to those who attempted to intervene. Authorities have confirmed they are investigating the incident as a possible vehicle theft.
The crash resulted in five victims, with four requiring hospitalization, officials from the Lisbon Fire Department confirmed. Two patients were taken to Hospital de Santa Maria, and two to Hospital de São José.
Two of the injured were teenagers, and both sustained exposed fractures. One teenager was discharged Saturday morning, while the other remains hospitalized in stable condition in the pediatric ward at Santa Maria.
The other two victims received treatment at Hospital de São José and were subsequently released. Police confirmed that the victims included four women and one man.
The investigation has been handed over to the Traffic Division’s Vehicle Accident Investigation Brigade of the Public Security Police.
