Alleged cock thief bashed to death

JAKARTA (JP): A man who allegedly tried to steal two gamecocks from a housing complex in Pasar Kemis, Tangerang, was beaten to death by an angry crowd, police said yesterday.

City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the man was caught breaking into a chicken pen owned by Junaidi bin Artawi.

Aritonang said the man, who has not been identified, jumped over a fence early Tuesday morning and tried to steal the cocks.

But the owner heard noises and he rushed into the front yard screaming "robber, robber", he said.

Some neighbors came out of their houses and chased the suspect, beating him before reporting the case to Pasar Kemis Police.

Police arrived at the scene a few minutes later and took the suspect to Tangerang General Hospital but he died from severe head injuries en route.

Aritonang said no one had been charged with the attack but several people had been questioned. (cst)