A/R: Police arrest suspect linked to car snatching syndicate, two alleged accomplices killed
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate believed to be responsible for a string of vehicle thefts and car snatching incidents across the Ashanti Region.
The suspect, William Opoku, popularly known as Father Blessing, was apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation at Ahwiaa near Kumasi. Police investigations led officers to locations at Ahwiaa and Pankrono, which were allegedly being used as hideouts by the suspect and his associates.
According to police, William Opoku admitted involvement in several vehicle theft cases during interrogation. The incidents include the theft of a Toyota Corolla on the Anwiankwanta–Asanso road, another Toyota Corolla belonging to a police officer at Pankrono, a vehicle stolen at Moro Market, and a white Toyota Corolla taken from Anloga Junction in Kumasi.
Investigators said the suspect later led them to a repair workshop where the white Toyota Corolla was recovered while undergoing maintenance.
Police further disclosed that the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in an attack on a police officer at Kronum Brokutu on July 5, 2025, during which an AK-47 rifle and ammunition were stolen.
During investigations, William Opoku identified several alleged accomplices, including individuals known as Prince alias Killer Wooah, Suley alias Shangu Spirit, Bonkro alias Okoronko, Aki, and Yaw Antwi.
A subsequent police operation on June 17, 2026, targeted some of the suspected gang members who were travelling on an unregistered Honda PCX motorbike. Police said an attempt to arrest the suspects resulted in a confrontation after the rider allegedly knocked down an officer and opened fire while escaping.
Officers returned fire, leaving Suley alias Shangu Spirit and another suspect known as Long Story with gunshot wounds, while Bonkro alias Okoronko reportedly escaped.
Police indicated that Suley had been linked to several vehicle theft and car-snatching cases in the region, including incidents at Anwiankwanta–Asanso, Anloga Junction, Moro Market and the attack on the police officer at Kronum Brokutu.
Investigators also believe that the AK-47 rifle stolen during the 2025 attack had been kept by William Opoku.
The injured suspects were rushed to the Bekwai Municipal Hospital for treatment but were pronounced dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital mortuary pending autopsy.
William Opoku remains in police custody assisting with investigations.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects and recover additional stolen vehicles, as well as the missing AK-47 rifle and ammunition.