Quick Read
- A van in Choa Chu Kang evaded police for 30 minutes during a routine traffic check, driving dangerously through city streets.
- The chase ended when the van crashed into a staircase; both the driver and a police officer were injured and hospitalized.
- Police found weapons and suspected drugs in the van; investigations are ongoing and multiple charges have been filed.
Van Driver’s Reckless Escape Ignites 30-Minute Police Chase in Choa Chu Kang
On the evening of January 1st, 2026, the typically quiet streets of Choa Chu Kang erupted into chaos. What began as a routine traffic check escalated into a dramatic police pursuit, as a white van sped away from officers, weaving dangerously through traffic and public spaces. According to MustShareNews, the chase lasted around 30 minutes, capturing the attention of both passersby and social media users who quickly shared footage of the unfolding drama.
Eyewitness accounts and viral videos painted a vivid picture: the van tore down roads, making illegal U-turns and ignoring red lights, all while at least two police motorcycles followed in hot pursuit, sirens blaring. One video showed the van reversing away from a police motorcycle, narrowly missing stationary vehicles, before maneuvering into a filter lane to escape again. The chase wasn’t just reckless—it was dangerous. At several points, the van sped through junctions while pedestrians were crossing, barely avoiding collisions.
Social Media Reacts: ‘Like GTA in Real Life’
As the van raced past local landmarks including the Choa Chu Kang Polyclinic and Community Club, witnesses couldn’t help but liken the scene to a video game. A TikTok user quipped, “We have TP chasing van before GTA6 is crazy,” referencing the iconic police chases of Grand Theft Auto. But for those on the ground, the danger was real. Sam, a 26-year-old eyewitness interviewed by 8world News, described seeing the van run red lights and nearly hit pedestrians—actions that could have turned deadly in an instant.
Pursuit Comes to a Crashing Halt
The chase ended as abruptly as it began. After careening across a junction, the van crashed into a staircase on a slope, rendering it immobile. The impact left the bumper dislodged, tire marks etched into the road and grass, and the driver visibly injured. Police swiftly apprehended the man, who appeared unsteady and was later seen handcuffed beside the van. Both the 34-year-old driver and a 25-year-old Traffic Police officer—who was injured when the van collided with his motorcycle—were taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital. Thankfully, both were conscious, and the officer was reported to be in stable condition.
What Was Found Inside the Van?
After the arrest, police searched the vehicle and uncovered a knife, a baton, and items suspected to be controlled drugs and drug-related paraphernalia. The Singapore Police Force confirmed that the suspected drug offenses have been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau. The van driver now faces multiple charges, with investigations ongoing. The Singapore Civil Defence Force reported being alerted to the incident around 5:50pm, underscoring the rapid emergency response required for such high-risk situations.
- The driver refused to comply with police instructions, sparking the chase.
- At least one police officer was injured during the pursuit.
- Weapons and suspected drugs were found in the van after the crash.
For the residents of Choa Chu Kang, the incident was a jarring reminder of how quickly routine enforcement can spiral into a public safety emergency. The reckless actions of one individual placed countless lives at risk, from pedestrians to officers—and the consequences were immediate and severe.
What Happens Next?
As police investigations continue, questions remain about the driver’s motives and the full extent of the offenses. Was this a panicked escape by a man hoping to avoid drug charges, or was there something more calculated behind his actions? The presence of weapons and suspected drugs points to deeper concerns about criminal activity intersecting with routine traffic enforcement. Meanwhile, the swift and coordinated response by Singapore’s police and civil defense forces highlights the city’s capacity to handle such emergencies—but also the ongoing challenge of ensuring public safety in unpredictable situations.
While viral social media comparisons to video games might seem light-hearted, the reality for those involved was anything but. The risks were real, the stakes high, and the aftermath—marked by arrests, injuries, and ongoing investigations—will shape community conversations about safety, enforcement, and accountability in 2025 and beyond.
Singapore’s rapid police response prevented a potentially tragic outcome, but this incident underscores the delicate balance between vigilant enforcement and the unpredictable dangers officers face daily. It’s a stark reminder that behind every headline and viral video are real lives, real risks, and a community that must grapple with the consequences.