An ax-wielding robber shot dead

An ax-wielding robber shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead on Monday a member of an ax-
wielding gang, who preyed on motorists for their valuables, on
Jl. Jembatan Batu, Pinangsia subdistrict in West Jakarta, an
officer said.

City Police spokesman Supt. Muhammad Nur H. Usman said the
suspect, who has yet to be identified, was shot dead at 11:45
a.m. as he attempted to rob a man, identified as Laksamana
Muljadi.

"The victim was riding in a green Isuzu Panther car as the
attempted robbery occurred.

"Being aware that the victim was trapped in a traffic jam on
the street, the suspect approached and threatened him with an axe
to force him to hand over his valuables," Nur told reporters at
City Police headquarters.

He said the suspect was apparently encouraged to rob the
victim by seeing him speaking on his cell phone.

Nur said the victim was scared and quickly opened his window.

"The suspect forcibly took an Ericsson cellphone T10s and a
wallet containing some Rp 200,000 in cash from the car's
dashboard," he said.

However, a police officer, First. Sgt. Sutirto, noticed the
robbery attempt and tried to arrest the suspect, Nur said.

"The suspect turned back and threatened the officer before
attempting to flee the scene.

"The suspect ignored the officer's warning shot, which
eventually forced the officer to shoot him," he said, adding that
the suspect was shot in the foot and chest.

The suspect died on his way to the Kramatjati police hospital.
(asa)