Man beaten by mob after being mistaken for robber in Daan Mogot
During the initial investigation, police discovered additional details about the suspect’s condition.
JAKARTA – A man was attacked by a mob after being mistaken for a robber while stealing a power bank from a motorcycle dashboard in the Daan Mogot area, Cengkareng, West Jakarta.
West Jakarta Police Department’s Public Relations Chief, AKP Wisnu Wirawan, confirmed that the suspect was committing theft, not robbery, contrary to social media reports.
“It was not a robbery; it was a simple theft as the suspect did not carry any sharp weapons,” Wisnu said in Jakarta on Monday.
The mob attack on Friday (22 May) began when the suspect passed by and saw a power bank in a motorcycle’s dashboard. Without hesitation, he took it, but his attempt was foiled when he was spotted by locals.
Due to recent robberies in West Jakarta, the crowd accused him of being a robber and beat him.
“He passed by, there was a blue Honda Beat motorcycle parked by the roadside with a power bank inside. He tried to take it, but it got stuck or something—we’re not sure. Then he was shouted at and beaten by the crowd,” Wisnu explained.
The suspect sustained severe head injuries from the beating.
Upon arriving at the scene, police immediately took him to Tarakan Hospital for medical treatment before questioning.
“For initial follow-up, the man was taken to Tarakan Hospital for medical treatment due to head injuries,” Wisnu said.
However, there was another surprise. During the initial investigation, police found additional details about the suspect’s condition.
“Subsequently, a urine test revealed a positive result for methamphetamine (crystal meth),” Wisnu stated.
To date, police have not received an official report from the power bank’s owner.
However, as the suspect tested positive for drugs, after his condition improved and he was discharged from hospital, he was taken back to West Jakarta Police Headquarters.
“He will be handed over to the narcotics unit for further and in-depth investigation,” he added.
Wisnu urged the public to verify information before sharing it on social media to avoid causing public unrest.