Alleged thief shot dead

Alleged thief shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): A 20-year-old man believed to have been involved in a series of motorcycle thefts was shot to death yesterday on Jl. Balai Rakyat, Koja district, in North Jakarta.

North Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira confirmed the shooting, saying that the police fired warning shots but were forced to shoot Agus, alias Toyong, when he tried to escape.

He said that the police had Agus, known for torturing and killing his victims, under surveillance for days.

Agus's father, M. Zein, said Agus was asked by his friend, M. Nur, a security officer, to buy cigarettes in the evening. "He tried to escape when he saw the police officers approaching," Zein said. "He was shot in the chest and legs," his father said.

According to his mother, Aminah, and his neighbors, Agus was known as a good boy in his neighborhood.

Zein is now demanding that the police prove that his son had been involved in motorcycle theft. (04)