Ex-pilot's car stolen in Penampang – with his mum still inside

The Star

a day ago

KOTA KINABALU: What began as an act of kindness turned into a terrifying ordeal for a retired airline pilot when his vehicle was hijacked with his mother still seated in the back.
John Otigil, 62, was driving along Jalan Tambunan–Kota Kinabalu near Kampung Notoruss in Penampang at 11.45am on Friday (June 13) when a car hit his four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Believing it was an accident, Otigil and his sister got out to inspect the damage.
The other driver, a man, claimed he had dozed off and asked for a rope to tow his vehicle.
Trusting the man, Otigil began recording the incident and looking for towing options.
'Without warning, the man ran towards my car, jumped in, started it, and sped off with my mother still in the back seat.
'I tried to stop him, but I was thrown to the ground and injured my knees and elbow,' he said.
Despite the pain, Otigil managed to flag down a passing vehicle and gave chase.
About two kilometres away, he found his mother abandoned by the roadside, shaken but unharmed.
The suspect escaped with the stolen vehicle and Otigil's sister's handbag, which contained her identity card, several bank cards, a driving licence, and RM650 in cash.
Otigil then rushed to the Penampang police station to ensure his mother's safety and lodge a report.
Penampang OCPD Supt Sammy Newton confirmed the case, adding that they received a report shortly after the incident.
'The case is being investigated under Section 379A of the Penal Code for vehicle theft, which carries a penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine,' he said.
Supt Sammy added that investigations and efforts to track down the suspect and recover the vehicle are ongoing.
He urged anyone with information to contact investigating officer Insp Mohd Anis Abdullah at 013-6365734.
He also advised the public not to circulate unverified or false information on social media, as it may hinder investigations and cause unnecessary public alarm.