Makassar teenager dies after allegedly being shot by police; station chief says the officer did not intend to shoot

A teenager in Makassar died after a police officer fired his gun during an operation to disperse youths playing with toy guns. The incident occurred on Jalan Toddopuli Raya, Rappocini district, Makassar, on Sunday, 1 March 2026, at around 07:00 WITA. The Makassar City Police Chief, Kombes Pol. Arya Perdana, claimed that the officer, Iptu N, did not intend to shoot the victim. He explained that the shooting began, albeit unintentionally, as he attempted to break up a fight involving toy guns.

“What we did was to immediately secure Iptu N, conduct an on‑the‑spot investigation, and seize his weapon,” he said.

He explained that the Rappocini Police Station chief reported a group of youths using toy rifles that disturbed road users. The youths were firing toy guns with hard gel bullets that could injure bystanders and caused public nuisance.

Hearing the information, Iptu N, who serves as the Criminal Investigation Unit head at Panakkukang Police Station, arrived at the scene to disperse the youths. Upon arrival, Iptu N saw one youth disturbing a motorcycle rider. He stepped out of his car, restrained the youth, and fired a warning shot into the air.

After the warning shot, only one youth was apprehended, Bertrand, while the others fled. Bertrand tried to escape. While he was writhing, the pistol still in Iptu N’s grip discharged and unintentionally struck Bertrand in the back.

The youth was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. Although he received initial medical treatment, the hospital lacked sufficient equipment and he was transferred to Bhayangkara Hospital. However, the victim’s life could not be saved and he was pronounced dead.