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)