Horrifying moment police open fire at hijackers after they hold trucker hostage

03 August 2023 , 09:30

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Horrifying moment police open fire at hijackers after they hold trucker hostage

Police rescued a trucker who was being held hostage for hours by a couple who had hijacked his semi-truck by firing a hail of bullets at the kidnappers, who died at the scene.

The couple led Ohio officers on a high-speed chase that lasted for three hours before a standoff ended in gunfire, resulting in the death of both suspects, on August 2.

The incident began around 1 am when officers from the London Police Department pulled over an old Dodge Caravan on State Route 42. Inside the vehicle were a man, a woman, and a dog. The initial traffic stop seemed routine until the couple suddenly fled in their car, leaving officers in pursuit.

The couple then ditched their car at a truck stop and forcibly hijacked a semi-truck with the driver still inside.

Police fired a hail of bullets at hijackers after they kidnapped trucker and held him hostage

The chase intensified as officers from various departments, including state troopers and sheriff's deputies, joined in the pursuit. The top speeds reached during the chase ranged between 60 and 65 mph.

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The couple then barricaded themselves inside the stolen semi-truck and held the trucker hostage. Negotiations to free the driver continued for approximately four hours before authorities made the decision to approach the vehicle.

The couple then barricaded themselves inside the stolen semi-truck

At around 7.30am, the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Special Response Team surrounded the truck and exchanged gunfire with the hijackers. The suspects were struck by the return fire, and they were rushed to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

Bullet holes can be seen on the windscreen of the truck and the 51-year-old woman was pronounced dead on arrival with the 54-year-old man was also pronounced dead later in the day.

Bullet holes can be seen in the front of the windshield (AP)

The brave truck driver, seen with his hands up and wearing an orange t-shirt, shorts, and socks, was rescued with only minor injuries.

Sgt. Orahood of the London Police Department stated that they had no prior dealings with the couple, and the motive behind their actions remains unknown.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently conducting a thorough examination of the incident. Fortunately, no officers were injured during the confrontation. The ramps to Dayton International Airport Access Road and Dayton International Airport Access Road itself were closed for several hours due to the investigation.

Lucy Williamson