Bekasi police nab and shoot four thieves

Bekasi police nab and shoot four thieves

JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi police arrested four suspected burglars
after shooting them in the legs as the five-member group tried to
escape.

The group was being pursued for their alleged involvement in a
robbery in Serang.

The suspects, who are being detained by local police, are
identified as Rodin, Indon, Yamin and Aspar Mustapha all between
25 and 32 years of age.

The other member of the group, whose name is still being
withheld by the police, is still at large according to City
Police spokesman, Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar.

Aspar, alias Pelor, is believed to be the leader of the gang.

The police also seized a samurai sword, a pocket knife and a
machete from the burglars.

The suspects were caught shortly after they had broken into a
small shop at Kampung Ciantra, Serang in Bekasi.

According to the owner of the shop, Mrs. Mboy, the five armed
robbers knocked on the door of her shop, which is also her
family's house, at around 10:45 p.m., Wednesday night.

"I have just closed shop when suddenly I heard the knock," she
said.

Pretending

The 45-year-old woman opened the door slightly to see what
they wanted. Reportedly, the group said that they wanted to buy
cigarettes.

However, as soon as the door was open, four of the five
robbers allegedly pushed their way into the shop and pointed
their sharp weapons at Mboy.

The other robber is believed to have stayed on guard in front
of the shop.

The gang reportedly made off with valuables and cash worth Rp
3.5 million (US$1,627).

Police said that all of the robbers left the small building
through the back door.

When Mboy felt that she was safe, she screamed for help.

"Luckily, a number of police personnel near the scene heard
her voice and responded quickly," spokesman Latief said.

The policemen said they were forced to shoot the legs of four
members of the fleeing group, who had ignored several warning
shots. However, one of the men was able to escape

The police said that they only managed to confiscate 10 grams
of jewelry from the robbers.

During police questioning, the group reportedly said that the
rest of the stolen goods and all of the cash was carried by their
accomplice, who is still at large.

"We were able to identify him, so it's only a matter of time
before we arrest him," Latief said. (bsr)