Police shoot van tyres to stop teenage driver in Russia’s Tver region

Police in the Udomlya district of Russia’s Tver region stopped a 16-year-old driving his father’s Volkswagen Transporter after a chase and gunfire directed at its tyres, the regional Interior Ministry said. The teenager had no driving licence.

According to police, officers spotted the van on the evening of 17 October at kilometre 12 of the Udomlya–Kotlovan–Lipny road. The driver ignored an order to stop, accelerated and drove into the oncoming lane on dangerous stretches during the pursuit.

Police said warnings and a warning shot failed to stop him. An officer then fired 12 aimed shots at the front and rear right tyres. The van was stopped near the village of Kurovo after the tyres were punctured.

Officers drew up administrative reports against the teenager for driving without a licence, breaching compulsory insurance requirements and failing to stop. His father was cited for allowing someone known to have no driving entitlement to use the vehicle.