Ignoring warning, robber shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): An alleged robber was shot dead for ignoring warning shots as he attempted to flee from police in the early hours of Thursday on Jl. Peta in Kalideres, West Jakarta.

The man, identified as 36-years-old Suharno, alias Tono, was shot twice in his back and chest. He died instantly at the scene.

West Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Iwan N. Ismet explained that police detectives had earlier taken Suharno from detention at the police headquarters as the police needed him to explain some details of the case.

"Suharno was taken from his cell to lead us to his accomplices' hideout, but he gave police the wrong direction and tried to flee," Ismet said.

Suharno was caught red-handed on Monday when he extorted money from a passerby in the Kalideres area. His two accomplices, Harmanto and Darman, managed to escape.

The street robbers, according to Ismet, mostly operated in groups of three or four from around 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and later from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.(emf)