Criminal shot dead

Criminal shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): The number of alleged criminals shot dead by
police increased when an unemployed man was shot yesterday in
Ciracas area, East Jakarta, when he resisted arrest.

A police sergeant at the East Jakarta Police precinct said the
man, M.S. Tanjung alias Rudi, 39, had been wanted in connection
with several crimes, including robbery.

"Rudi was arrested in a house in the area, but he tried to
escape," the officer said.

He said police shot him in the back after firing two warning
shots.

The source, who requested anonymity, said Rudi was rushed to
the Kramatjati Police Hospital but died on the way.

The body was sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's
morgue for a postmortem, he said.

At least 35 alleged criminals have been shot dead by police
this year. Police have said all of them were shot while resisting
arrest.

Last year police shot dead 46 alleged criminals who resisted
arrest.

The shootings have drawn mix reactions from the public. Some
people support the measure, saying it might reduce crime, but
some doubt its effectiveness. (jun)