Boxer Herman in cell for alleged police attack

JAKARTA (JP): Professional boxer Herman Kili Kili is still in police custody for his alleged role in an attack on a police sergeant last Friday, an officer said on Tuesday.

"We're still working on the case, and (seeking) Herman's two other friends," Kelapa Gading Police subprecinct chief Maj. Agus Sulistyono told The Jakarta Post.

Herman and his two friends -- Johnson Hutagaol and Roby -- reportedly assaulted First Sgt. Ijab, a member of Kelapa Gading's police vehicle patrol at Mal Kelapa Gading shopping center on Friday night.

Police said the incident started when the three men approached officer Ijab, who was standing in front of the mall.

Johnson and Roby allegedly asked Ijab to handcuff Herman's hands.

The officer asked Johnson and Roby to reveal the reason behind the request.

While pointing his finger at his two friends, Herman allegedly told the officer: "I've just hit somebody."

As sergeant Ijab was set to question Johnson and Roby, Herman allegedly punched the officer in the left jaw.

The unanticipated upper cut from the national athlete allegedly knocked down the sergeant. Police claimed that Herman, however, continued punching the officer's back and face.

The three alleged assailants then hailed a mikrolet.

However, the driver was a witness to the incident and alerted other mikrolet drivers that his passengers had just attacked an officer.

The drivers dragged Herman and his two friends from the vehicle. Herman was mobbed, while his friends managed to flee.

Both Herman and officer Ijab were taken to nearby Mediros Hospital. There were unconfirmed reports that Herman was under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.

"We are still waiting for the test results from the hospital," Agus said.

If found guilty of the assault, Herman could face charges of violating Article 213 of the Criminal Code on the assault of on- duty officials, which carries a maximum penalty of eight years imprisonment.(emf)