BUDAPEST — A 28-year-old man previously banned from driving was arrested after leading Budapest police on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash with a taxi and an attempted escape on foot, authorities said.

According to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), the incident occurred late on July 11 when traffic officers attempted to stop a vehicle near Nyugati tér. The driver initially appeared cooperative, but then accelerated and fled the scene at high speed. Officers pursued the suspect until Rákóczi út, where the fleeing vehicle collided with a taxi. The taxi driver sustained minor injuries, while a passenger suffered serious injuries.

The suspect, identified as György R., fled the crash site along with two passengers. Officers apprehended R. at the Blaha Lujza tér tram stop, while his passengers, 36-year-old Artúr B. and 36-year-old József T., were arrested nearby with the help of Hungary’s Rapid Response Police. During a search of the vehicle, police discovered substances suspected to be drugs.

All three men were taken into custody. Drug use was also suspected, and authorities collected samples. Investigators charged R. with endangering road safety, failure to render aid, and drug possession. His passengers face charges of drug possession and failure to render aid. A court has ordered their pre-trial detention.

Source: BRFK Budapesti Rendőr-főkapitányság