Seberang Perai Tengah police chief Tan Cheng San said they arrested the motorist, aged 24, who was found to have a criminal record for six previous drug offences and house break-ins.

The drama began at 9.15pm when police patrol officers flagged down a car after spotting the driver acting in a suspicious manner.

Instead of stopping, the motorist sped off, with police chasing after him.

Upon reaching a dead-end, the motorist tried to ram the patrol car, causing the policemen to fire two shots in self-defence, hitting one of the car’s front tyres, before apprehending him, Tan said.

The car was reported stolen in Sungai Bakap yesterday.

The man was also suspected of stealing a cow just before police stopped him. They found equipment used in the theft in his car.