Car thieves shot dead

BANDUNG: Three alleged car thieves were killed in a shoot-out with police in Bandung on Monday morning.

Ade Suryana, 35, Maruf alias Abah, 38, and Tubagus Permana alias Edi Kopassus, 36, were shot dead when they resisted arrest, Bandung Police Chief Col. Erwin was quoted by Antara as saying.

Wanted by police for alleged auto theft, police spotted the three at about 4:30 a.m. riding in a car on Jl. Sukaati in Bandung.

Noticing the police following them, the former servicemen allegedly resisted arrest by brandishing samurai-like swords and a pistol. In response, the police fired warning shots, but as the warning was ignored, the suspects were shot, Erwin said.

Edi was shot in the stomach, while Ade and Maruf died of bullet wounds to the head.