Bekasi Student Threatened with Gunfire While Chasing Phone Snatcher
A 17-year-old female student in Babelan district, Bekasi regency, West Java, was targeted with shots from an airsoft gun as she tried to chase the person who had snatched her mobile phone.
Bekasi Metro Police Chief Commissioner Andi Oddang Riuh Hutomo said in Cikarang on Thursday that the incident took place at Panji Buwono Housing Estate, Kedung Pengawas village, Babelan district, at around 7.30 am on Wednesday (7 October).
At the time, the victim, identified by the initials RM, was pushing a motorbike with a friend when three people on a motorbike approached them.
The suspects then threatened the victim with an airsoft gun. One of them fired into the air before snatching her mobile phone.
The victim tried to chase the suspects while calling for help. However, one of them fired towards her again before fleeing.
“While trying to chase the suspect and call for help, the victim was shot at again,” Andi said.
After receiving the victim’s report, the Bekasi Metro Police Criminal Investigation Unit’s Resmob team investigated the case by questioning several witnesses and examining CCTV footage from the area.
“As a result, the two main suspects, identified by the initials AZ and SDZ, were arrested in North Bekasi at 2 am on Friday (9 October),” he said.
Following further investigation, police arrested two other people: RW, who is suspected of acting as a receiver of stolen goods, and LG, who is allegedly connected to the sale of the weapon used in the incident.
Police have detained four people in total, each suspected of having a different role in the case.
Officers also seized several items of evidence, including an airsoft gun, a motorbike and the victim’s mobile phone.
Police have charged AZ and SDZ under Articles 479 and/or 482 of the Criminal Code. RW is suspected of violating Article 591, while LG has been charged under Article 306.
Investigators are continuing to examine each person’s alleged involvement in the case.
Andi said police would take firm action against crimes that threaten public safety.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant while going about their daily activities, particularly on the roads, to prioritise their personal safety and avoid taking risks when confronted with a criminal threat.