Cop's son injured in hit-and-run; suspect arrested in hot pursuit

CEBU, Philippines - A 42-year-old man was arrested and detained after hitting and running away from a policeman’s son he hit with his motorcycle on Cabantan Street, Barrio Luz, Cebu City last Wednesday noon.

Jose Cabatana, a resident of Cabangcalan, Barangay Bulacao, was arrested during a hot pursuit operation conducted by no less than the victim’s father along with his fellow law enforcers.

Cabatana reportedly hit and ran away from six-year-old Raethan Christian Supatan, son of PO3 Raymundo Supatan, assigned at the intelligence branch of the Cebu City Police Office.

Investigating officer SPO1 Porperio Lim, Jr. said the suspect ran away from the boy because he possibly thought that he did not injure the boy considering that the latter ran after accidentally hitting him.

But, Lim said it was the suspect’s responsibility to stop and check on the condition of the victim. The suspect alleged that he was driving his Honda motorcycle when the boy suddenly crossed the street. He claimed to have applied brakes but the boy still ended up being hit by his motorcycle.

According to the suspect, the boy ran inside the house prompting him to leave.

Upon learning of the incident, the family took the victim, who suffered minor bruises on his body, to the Chong Hua Hospital for treatment.

Cabatana was identified through the plate numbers of his motorcycle which was provided by a witness. Upon verification at the Land Transportation Office-7, it was learned that the owner of the motorcycle was Edina Duazo, a resident of Barangay Apas.

PO3 Supatan immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation together with the personnel of the City Traffic and Operations Management leading to the arrest of the suspect around 5 p.m. last Wednesday at the house of Duazo who was his elder sister.

Lim said the suspect was released yesterday afternoon after the victim’s family agreed on a settlement. Cabatana promised to shoulder the medical expenses. (FREEMAN NEWS)