Police in Central Jakarta have apprehended Hafiz Mahendra, 24, following a dramatic police chase on Wednesday afternoon (February 25) during which he drove a Toyota Calya erratically, colliding with multiple motorcycles and cars on Jalan Gunung Sahari. Hailing from Surabaya, Mahendra was reportedly en route to Ancol, North Jakarta, when the incident unfolded.
The chaotic sequence of events commenced around 5:15 PM WIB. Driving his vehicle north to south on Jalan Gunung Sahari, Mahendra defied attempts by officers near the Lapangan Banteng bus stop to halt his progress, instead accelerating away. What ensued was an elusive chase as the suspect navigated through various streets, including a daring maneuver into Jalan Gunung Sahari IV, extending to Jalan Bungur Besar Raya. He then took an even more dangerous turn, driving against traffic on Jalan Gunung Sahari V towards Hotel Bintang Baru, before circling back towards Senen and rejoining Jalan Gunung Sahari heading north. The pursuit finally culminated when Mahendra attempted yet another U-turn against the flow of traffic at the Pintu Besi traffic light intersection.
The reckless escapade left the Toyota Calya severely damaged, with its rear body battered, windows shattered, and front dented, reportedly at the hands of an angry mob. Despite the multiple collisions and the intense public reaction, authorities confirmed a crucial detail: remarkably, there were no fatalities in the incident.
Police Uncover Four Counterfeit License Plates
As investigations into the reckless driving incident in Gunung Sahari, Central Jakarta, intensified, police made several alarming discoveries inside Mahendra’s vehicle. Initial examinations revealed the presence of four fake license plates, suggesting premeditated deception. Kombes Pol Komarudin, Director of Traffic for the Metro Jaya Police, confirmed these findings on Thursday (February 26), stating, “Inside the car used by the driver, four pieces or four pairs of different vehicle registration plates were found.” At the time of his apprehension, Hafiz Mahendra, 24, was driving with plate number D-1640-AHB and was accompanied by a woman identified as his girlfriend.
Toy Gun, Machete, and Dagger Discovered
The surprising discoveries didn’t end with the counterfeit plates. Officers also recovered a toy firearm, alongside two types of sharp weapons: a traditional Indonesian machete (golok) and a distinctive dagger (badik). Komarudin reiterated the gravity of these findings, indicating a more complex situation than initially perceived.
In light of this compelling evidence, Komarudin has initiated coordination with the Central Jakarta Resort Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit for a thorough and deeper probe into the matter. From a traffic perspective, Mahendra faces serious charges under Article 311 Paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 of the Traffic Law, potentially leading to a maximum sentence of four years in prison and an Rp 8 million fine. Komarudin further elaborated on the legal process, stating, “Considering the sequence of events and the various pieces of evidence found in the vehicle, we are entrusting the case to the Central Jakarta Detectives for further investigation.”
Suspect Not Under Influence of Alcohol
Amidst the unfolding investigation, a significant detail emerged: Hafiz Mahendra was not intoxicated. AKBP Ojo Ruslani, Head of Law Enforcement for the Metro Jaya Police Traffic Directorate, confirmed that medical examinations revealed no traces of alcohol or illicit substances in the suspect’s system. “The urine test results were negative. [The perpetrator] was not drunk,” Ojo clarified on Thursday (February 26).
Ruslani further explained that officers’ initial suspicions were sparked solely by Mahendra’s dangerously disorderly driving, which posed a threat to other road users. The suspect, accompanied by his girlfriend, was simply “driving disorderly” en route to Ancol when the dramatic pursuit began. Regarding the condition of victims struck by Mahendra during his attempt to flee, Ojo provided reassurance, confirming that no serious injuries were sustained. “Victims suffered minor injuries, and motorcycles were slightly damaged,” he added, underscoring the fortunate absence of severe harm despite the perilous incident.