From Hero to Suspect! He Once Rescued Bilqis from Abduction, Now Iptu N Is Named a Suspect Over Makassar Teen's Fatal Shooting
Makassar, VIVA – An officer involved in the death of an 18-year-old teenager, Betrand Eka Prasetyo, during an arrest in Makassar, has been officially named a suspect, Makassar City Police Chief Commissioner Arya Perdana confirmed to reporters on Thursday, 5 March 2026. The officer in question is Inspektur Polisi Satu (Iptu) N. The case is being handled by the Propam division of Makassar Police and remains under investigation. Public attention had previously focused on Iptu N for rescuing Bilqis Ramadhani (4.5), a kidnapping victim in Jambi in 2025; now he faces legal proceedings following the shooting incident on Jalan Toddopuli Raya, Panakkukang District, Makassar, on Sunday, 1 March 2026. The police say they will not shield the legal process from public scrutiny.
Earlier reports stated that Betrand died after being shot by a police firearm during the arrest in Makassar, South Sulawesi. The incident occurred after the victim was allegedly involved in an altercation using toy guns. The Makassar City Police Chief, Commissioner Arya Perdana, confirmed the event, which occurred on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at around 07:00 WITA. The Rapocini Police Sector commander reported via handheld radio the existence of a group of youths suspected of using toy rifles on the street and disturbing residents. According to the report, the youths stopped pedestrians, and allegedly pushed and kicked passing motorists.
“Their actions were very disturbing to the public,” the officer said on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. After receiving the report, Iptu N went to the scene. Upon arrival, he found Betrand engaged in a confrontation with a motorcyclist. Iptu N exited his vehicle, attempted to arrest the suspect, and fired a warning shot.
“When Iptu N stepped out of the car, he immediately arrested the suspect while firing a warning shot,” he said. However, the situation changed when the victim allegedly attempted to flee and resisted. In that moment, the firearm still in Iptu N’s possession discharged and struck the back of the victim.