Exploding stove sends inmate running

BOGOR: A detainee tried to escape from the Cibinong Prosecuter's Office in Bogor, south of Jakarta, on Tuesday when a nearby stove exploded, only to be recaptured as he ran straight into dozens of office employees who were having lunch.

Iwan, alias Ocin, 24, was taken to the office after spending two months in Bogor Police jail for an alleged assault.

While Iwan was being processed by an official, a stove of a soto (chicken broth) vendor next to the Prosecuter's Office exploded at about 11.30 a.m. The official, along with two policemen who were guarding Iwan, rushed to the explosion.

Still handcuffed, Iwan scrambled out the building and ran toward the Al-Faidjin Mosque near the Bogor administration where it was packed with employees having lunch.

Prosecutor's officials, policemen, food vendors and employees left their food to chase after Iwan. He was easily recaptured and was put in the office's detainment center. -- JP