A 44-year-old driver was arrested in Durrës after allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and crashing into a police patrol vehicle during an attempted traffic stop in one of the city’s most closely watched neighborhoods.
According to preliminary police information, Rezart Abazaj was stopped by officers in the Ish-Këneta area after authorities received reports of a vehicle moving at high speed and performing dangerous maneuvers on public roads. Police units launched an immediate pursuit after identifying the vehicle as a potential threat to public safety.
During the intervention, the suspect allegedly collided with a police patrol vehicle before being brought under control by officers. Alcohol testing later showed the driver had an alcohol level of 1.4 mg/l, significantly above legal driving limits. Authorities also confirmed that the suspect has reportedly been involved in previous traffic-related incidents, raising additional concerns over repeat dangerous behavior.
The incident has reignited public concern in Durrës, particularly in the Ish-Këneta neighborhood, where a tragic accident earlier this month shocked Albania. On May 3, a separate crash involving driver Nikoll Radaçi led to the deaths of two children and left another seriously injured, intensifying calls for stricter enforcement against reckless and drunk driving.
Police investigations into the latest incident remain ongoing as authorities review video footage and witness statements connected to the chase and collision.