Ventspils driver reaches 197 km/h during police pursuit

A driver in Ventspils engaged in a high-speed pursuit with the State Police after being caught speeding in an Opel. The incident began on September 3 when an officer observed the vehicle traveling at 93 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. After ignoring orders to stop, the driver accelerated to 197 km/h, overtook several other vehicles, and eventually drove through fields to evade capture.

The pursuit ended after a police vehicle suffered a blown tire, forcing officers to call for additional crews. The vehicle was later located hidden near a property in Ventspils, and the driver was apprehended nearby.

Authorities have initiated both criminal and administrative proceedings against the man. He refused testing for narcotics or psychotropic substances, though police suspect he may have been under their influence. Investigations revealed the vehicle lacked a valid technical inspection and mandatory civil liability insurance. Notably, the driver had arrived in Ventspils by ferry that same morning and had a prior conviction in Sweden for driving under the influence.