Good deed turns into nightmare
KOTA KINABALU: An act of kindness turned into a terrifying ordeal for a retired pilot when his 4WD was hijacked with his elderly mother in it.
John Otigil, 62, was driving along Jalan Tambunan-Kota Kinabalu near Kampung Notoruss, Penampang, when a car suddenly hit his vehicle from behind at about 11.45am yesterday.
Thinking nothing much of it, Otigil got out with his sister to inspect the damage.
The male driver claimed to have dozed off and asked for a rope to tow his vehicle.
Believing the man, Otigil looked for towing options on his phone.
'Suddenly, the man ran and got in my car, started the engine and sped off with my mother still in the back seat.
'I tried to block him but I was thrown to the ground and injured my knees and elbow,' said Otigil.
Despite the pain and shock, he flagged down a passing vehicle and gave chase.
About 2km away, he found his mother abandoned by the road, shaken but unharmed.
The thief drove off with his 4WD with Otigil's sister's handbag which had several bank cards and RM650.
Otigil then went to the police station to lodge a report.
Penampang police chief Supt Sammy Newton confirmed the case, adding that a manhunt had been launched for the suspect and the 4WD.
He advised anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Mohd Anis Abdullah at 013-636 5734.
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