Armed thieves rob 'omprengan' driver

JAKARTA (JP): A gang of at least four armed thieves robbed a driver of an omprengan (unlicensed public transportation vehicle) late Monday, making away with the victim's Suzuki Carry minivan.

The group abandoned the driver in a paddy field in Jati village in Buaran, Tangerang.

According to city police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis, the shocked driver, 45-year-old Patmi, was found by local residents a few hours later with his hands bound with shoe laces.

"His face was also bruised," Lubis told reporters on Tuesday.

Patmi was taken to a nearby police station to compile a report, while police detectives combed the area for clues which could possibly lead to the arrest of the suspects.

"From the crime scene, police found two leather belts and a red jacket believed to be the property of the suspects," officer Lubis said.

According to the driver, the incident began at about 9 p.m. Monday when the four men approached him. He was waiting for passengers in the Serpong area at the time.

"The four men asked Patmi to take them to Rumpin village. They had already settled the fare," Lubis said.

Patmi unsuspectingly drove them in the direction they wanted to go.

Near a deserted paddy field in Jati village, one of the suspects pulled out a sharp weapon and put it under Patmi's chin while the others hit him with their leather belts.

"Patmi was then ordered to stop the vehicle and one of the suspects took over the steering wheel," Lubis said.

Before kicking Patmi out of the minivan, the suspects reportedly beat him after he repeatedly asked about his fate and their reasons for beating him.

The suspects also took his wallet containing Rp 300,000 (US$35) before abandoning him in the paddy field.

Police, according to Lubis, have identified the group, the members of which often target omprengan drivers in the area.

"The investigation is already underway," officer Lubis said. (emf)