Man in Sleman Claims to be Police Officer, Threatens to Shoot Victim in Kulon Progo Smartwatch Robbery

A man with the initials HM (24) has been arrested by police for committing extortion in Kulon Progo. The suspect, a resident of Godean, Sleman, allegedly posed as a police officer during the incident and threatened to shoot the victim in the foot.

Head of Public Relations for the Kulon Progo Police, Iptu Sarjoko, stated the extortion was carried out against a teenager with the initials IKM (19), a Wates resident, on Sunday, 3 June, at 3:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time. The incident occurred under the pedestrian bridge (JPO) at Alun-alun Wates, Kulon Progo.

“Initially, the victim and a witness were under the pedestrian bridge at Alun-alun Wates. As they were about to go home, they were suddenly blocked by the perpetrator in a car,” Sarjoko told reporters on Sunday, 14 June.

Sarjoko said the perpetrator, who remained inside the vehicle, rolled down the window and forced the victim to hand over money. The perpetrator also issued threats if his demands were not met, reportedly warning he would shoot the victim in the foot.

As the victim had no cash, the perpetrator proceeded to seize the victim’s watch. “Because the complainant did not have any money, the reported individual then demanded a smartwatch,” Sarjoko explained.

The incident was subsequently reported to the authorities. The victim described the perpetrator’s characteristics during the crime, including wearing a black jacket, having a piercing on the left temple, and sporting silver-dyed hair.

Based on this report, the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Kulon Progo Police launched an investigation. Using the description provided by the victim, officers were able to identify the perpetrator. The suspect was ultimately arrested on Saturday, 13 June, while at a barbershop on Jalan Kadipiro.

“After an interview, the perpetrator admitted to the act, and an arrest was then made,” Sarjoko stated.

Sarjoko added that the investigation revealed HM had falsely claimed to be a police officer during the robbery to intimidate the victim. The suspect has since been taken to the Kulon Progo Police headquarters for further questioning as officers continue to investigate the case.