TIRANA, Sept. 27 – Security camera footage published on national television has led to an internal investigation of Elbasan police officers involved in the chase of a suspected criminal who crashed into a police car and escaped earlier this month.
Authorities said the footage did not match the statements of the police officers.
The incident, which happened on Sept. 18, has been the focus of intense media coverage, after a man crashed an armored car into the car of the city’s deputy police chief to get into a private business and police did not give chase despite having a right and opportunity to do so.
The footage showed the officers were hesitant to get into the business’ territory to chase the suspect. At least one police officer fired at the armored car.
Officials with Albania’s opposition Democratic Party said this week local police was afraid to intervene due to political connections of the gang involved.
National police chief Haki à‡ako went to Elbasan himself together with special forces from Tirana looking to apprehend the escaped individual, which local media have said is a member of a major local gang.
à‡ako told the media they have identified the man. Several other people were also detained in connection to the incident.
à‡ako said the State Police and all law enforcement authorities will engage in an uncompromising fight against all criminal organizations and groups.
Elbasan, a large city in central Albania, has emerged as a hub of organized crime activity, especially related to drug trafficking, according to several experts interviewed on Albanian media this week.
