What initially seemed like a case of road rage in Pasay City has been confirmed as a chase involving a stolen luxury sedan.
According to a report by Chino Gaston on “24 Oras,” the owner of the high-end BMW spotted the stolen vehicle and instructed his driver to rear-end it during a pursuit. The incident escalated when the occupant of the BMW opened fire on the Honda Odyssey, which was being used by the car’s owner.
Both individuals involved, including the alleged thief and the car owner, are Chinese nationals.
The car owner, who was in the process of selling the BMW, realized it had been stolen after a test drive. Upon spotting the car in Pasay, he initiated the chase that led to the collision and subsequent shooting.
“Binunggo ng Honda Odyssey yung BMW, at doon nagkaroon ng trigger yung occupant ng BMW at pinutukan yung Honda Odyssey,” explained Police Colonel Samuel Pabonita, head of the Pasay City Police Station. (The Honda Odyssey hit the BMW, prompting the occupant of the BMW to shoot at it.)
Authorities confiscated two 9mm pistols and a replica assault rifle from the individuals involved. All three are currently detained at the Pasay Detention Center.
The suspects have been charged with multiple offenses, including violations under RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Act), carnapping, and reckless imprudence resulting in property damage. Another individual connected to the incident was also arrested in Parañaque.
The driver of the Honda Odyssey denied firing back, stating, “Bibilhin sana yung BMW sa kanya. Parang test drive tas hindi na binalik. Binaril po kami.” (The BMW was supposed to be purchased. They took it for a test drive and never returned it, then shot at us.)