'Angkot' driver shot in abortive robbery

'Angkot' driver shot in abortive robbery

JAKARTA (JP): An angkot (public transportation minivan) driver
was shot in the neck by two unidentified men during an attempted
robbery early Monday on Jl. Ciledug Raya, South Jakarta.

Sawaluddin, 19, said he was driving alone in the vehicle
plying the Kebayoran Lama market-Ciledug market route at about
1:30 a.m. when two men on a motorcycle blocked his way on Jl.
Kreo.

He said he could not make out the identities of the two
because one had a handkerchief tied around his face and the other
pulled his cap over his face.

The men stopped their motorcycle about 20 meters from
Sawaluddin's moving vehicle, he said. The man on the back jumped
off and rushed toward him.

"He then pointed a gun at me and forced me to hand over the
key to the ignition."

Sawaluddin smashed his door against the man, who fell down but
fired at the driver.

The men fled after Sawaluddin shouted for help.

"The attempted robbery took place so quickly," he said.

Bleeding and with impaired vision, Sawaluddin drove to Jl.
Masjid in Petukangan, which is about three kilometers from the
scene.

His shocked colleagues rushed him to Cipto Mangunkusumo
General Hospital at 4 a.m. for treatment.

According to his aunt, Umi Amelia, Sawaluddin is responsible
for his three younger brothers and his mentally ill mother. His
father is deceased.

Umi said she spent Rp 800,000 to cover her nephew's medical
expenses and expected to spend more for the doctor's bills. (01)