A 42-year-old male of Pili has died, following a Police pursuit in the early afternoon of today, Monday 30 May.

Police stated this evening that after a car chase, the suspect tried to flee Police by foot, but was caught at a Ha’ateiho residence.

“The police officer that first caught the suspect noticed that the suspect was having trouble breathing. The suspect soon became unconscious and the police officers at the scene, quickly rushed him to the Vaiola Hospital. The suspect was confirmed dead on arrival by Dr. Pafilio Tangitau,” stated Tonga Police this evening.

Tonga Police were trying to execute a Bench Warrant issued on 24 May 2022 for the arrest of the suspect.

Police reported that they spotted the suspect at the Konifelenisi petrol station in Fanga at around 12:30pm today and he failed to stop on Police request. The suspect fled south on Taufa’ahau Road in his own vehicle, while pursued by Police. The suspect stopped at Ha’ateiho where he parked his vehicle and continued to flee Police by foot. Police, within 100m, caught up with him at a Ha‘ateiho residence.

“A Tonga Police Executive member has spoken to the deceased’s widow, conveying Tonga Police’s condolences for their loss. 

“As a matter of Police procedure, an investigation into the incident has been launched,” said the statement.