High-speed police chase catches 'GTA-style car thief'

This is the dramatic moment a suspected car thief was arrested in a real-life 'Grand Theft Auto' police chase in Thailand.

Alleged serial robber Anusit, 32, reportedly stole multiple vehicles and tampered with ATMs across several provinces, triggering a widespread manhunt.

Officers traced his escape route before tracking him down to Nakhon Pathom province in the central region, on June 17.

But as they closed in on his location, the suspect broke through the blockade and fled in a stolen pickup truck along Phet Kasem Road.

Dashcam video shows the dramatic chase as cops pursued a fleeing Anusit through traffic.

Police sirens wailed as the vehicles tore across the roadway, before Anusit drove over the median where his truck was stranded.

He abandoned the pickup and tried to flee on foot but was caught at a nearby coconut plantation.

Police said he was accused of stealing two motorcycles, two pickup trucks, a water pump, as well as smashing a bank ATM and evading police in a four-day crime spree that began on June 14.

He is facing multiple theft and robbery charges.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattapong Ampaijit of the Highway Police Division said Anusit is also being tested for possible drug use as investigations continue.

He said: ‘We handed the suspect over to the inquiry officer for legal proceedings on a charge of robbery.

‘The suspect is also undergoing a drug test, as his behaviour and symptoms appear consistent with those of a drug user.

‘We will expand the investigation to determine whether he is linked to other cases committed in multiple areas.'

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is a crime-themed video game franchise where players commit virtual offences such as car theft, robbery and evading police.