A dramatic incident unfolded on the M62 motorway in March 2024 when a Jaguar I-PACE electric car reportedly ‘went rogue’ at speeds of up to 100mph. Nathan Owen, 32, from North Wales, claimed his brakes failed due to an electrical fault while driving home from his new job as a children’s support worker.
Owen, who was trapped inside the vehicle, called 999 as he feared for his life and the safety of others. A high-speed police chase ensued, involving units from Merseyside Police and Greater Manchester Police, with the Jaguar being surrounded for 35 minutes before being safely stopped.
Following an extensive investigation, Merseyside Police charged Owen with dangerous driving, causing a public nuisance, and two counts of fraud by false representation. The charges include allegations related to fraudulent activities, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Owen is set to appear in court on August 13, 2024. The incident raises serious questions about the safety and reliability of high-performance electric vehicles, particularly the £80,000 Jaguar I-PACE model.
The police operation to stop the vehicle demonstrated exceptional coordination between different law enforcement agencies. Their actions likely prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome, highlighting the importance of effective emergency response procedures on major highways.