Police have apprehended Nathan Owen, 31, the driver of a Jaguar I-Pace, on suspicion of dangerous driving after his vehicle went out of control on the M62, reaching speeds of up to 100mph, prompting officers to ram it off the road.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, March 6, and Mr. Owen was arrested by Merseyside Police in connection with the chaotic episode.
Mr. Owen claimed that his £80,000 electric car malfunctioned on the motorway, leading to a harrowing 35-minute ordeal that required a significant police operation to bring his vehicle to a halt.
Following a comprehensive investigation conducted by police and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Mr. Owen was taken into custody on suspicion of dangerous driving and causing a public nuisance. He is currently being questioned by authorities.
In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed the arrest and stated that an investigation, supported by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), is ongoing.
JLR, in collaboration with Merseyside Police and other authorities, expressed their commitment to probing reports of product safety issues and pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The dramatic incident saw Mr. Owen’s Jaguar I-Pace wedged between two police cars on the M62, as officers worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Mr. Owen, who was en route from his first day at a new job, recounted the terrifying experience, stating that his car accelerated without brakes, reaching dangerous speeds.
North West Motorway Police, in an update on the day of the incident, reported the closure of lanes on the M62 and detailed efforts to stop the malfunctioning vehicle safely.
Despite the incident, the reliability of Jaguar I-Pace vehicles was defended, with West Midlands Ambulance Service highlighting their exceptional performance over significant mileage.
Cheshire Constabulary also provided insights into the operation, confirming their involvement in bringing the vehicle to a stop on the M62.
The Jaguar I-Pace is set to be discontinued ahead of the company’s relaunch in 2025.
The investigation into the incident continues, as authorities seek to ascertain the circumstances that led to Mr. Owen’s vehicle going out of control on the motorway.
