Driver flees traffic stop in Mong Kok, letting car roll into two others

A motorist fled a police traffic stop in Mong Kok early Thursday, leaving his vehicle to roll forward and crash into two other cars.

The incident occurred after a traffic officer spotted the driver of a white seven-seater using a mobile phone while driving along Argyle Street near Sai Yee Street at about midnight. The officer signaled for the vehicle to stop.

The driver pulled over near a traffic light on Sai Yeung Choi Street South, then opened the door and ran toward Argyle Street with personal items, abandoning the vehicle. Police suspect the driver failed to engage the parking brake or shift into park, causing the car to roll forward.

The seven-seater first hit a taxi before colliding with a BMW in the left lane. No injuries were reported. Officers found no prohibited items inside the abandoned vehicle.

Police are investigating the incident as a hit-and-run traffic accident and searching for the driver.