By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, April 23: A high-speed police chase through Green Road in the early hours of March 29 has culminated in the arrest of three suspects, including 41-year-old Mark Lionel Michael Chi, who now faces several serious criminal charges including attempted murder.
The dramatic pursuit began around 3.30am when the suspects, travelling in a Mitsubishi Triton, allegedly attempted to evade police inspection near a bus stop opposite a petrol station along Green Road. According to court documents, the group ignored police instructions to stop and instead fled the scene, prompting a pursuit involving several officers.
Mark is now facing two counts of attempted murder under Section 307 of the Penal Code. He is accused of trying to run down two police officers during the chase — one of whom opened fire in self-defence, causing the vehicle to crash into a nearby fence.
He also faces a third charge under Section 182 of the Penal Code for providing false information to a public servant, as well as another charge under Section 186, read together with Section 34, for voluntarily obstructing police from performing their duties.
The attempted murder charges carry a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a possible fine. The charge under Section 186 can result in up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both.
Mark, who appeared in court in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained in the incident, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Magistrate Mason Jaro has scheduled case management for May 26, 2025, for the attempted murder charges and allowed bail at RM3,000 with one local surety for each charge.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan set May 27, 2025, for the mention of the false information and obstruction charges. Chi was granted RM2,000 bail with one local surety for these offences, bringing the total bail amount to RM5,000.
Mark is represented by counsel Andrew Winston Kaya, while Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin is leading the prosecution in separate proceedings.
Two accomplices, Rogers Diana, 42, and Desmond Naud, 35, who were passengers in the vehicle during the chase, were earlier sentenced to eight months in prison on April 7, 2025. They pleaded guilty to a joint charge under Section 186 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 for obstructing police from carrying out their duties.
Initial reports stated that police had attempted to stop the vehicle for routine inspection. However, Mark, who was driving, sped off towards Wisma Forda. The chase continued through Jalan Merdeka and ended temporarily when the vehicle reached a dead-end and made a U-turn. When officers attempted to make an arrest, the vehicle accelerated towards them, allegedly attempting to ram two officers.
A single gunshot was fired in response, hitting the vehicle and causing it to crash into a nearby residential fence. Mark, who suffered eye injuries, was taken to the hospital for treatment, while his two companions were arrested on the spot.
Police investigations are ongoing, with further developments expected as the cases progress through the court system. – DayakDaily
