Mystery of Crouching Man with Pistol in Ciputat Investigated by Police

A mysterious man was spotted carrying an object resembling a pistol in Ciputat, South Tangerang. The man was seen crouching behind a wall as if preparing to shoot.

The incident occurred near the Ciputat flyover, specifically on the side of Jalan RE Martadinata, East Ciputat, South Tangerang, on Monday, 10 August 2026. The event was recorded on an amateur camera and went viral on social media.

From the video footage circulating on social media, the man can be seen crouching behind a wall. He occasionally peered around the side of the wall while positioning himself as though about to fire at a target.

Police have inspected the scene. However, the man’s identity remains a mystery.

East Ciputat Police Chief Commissioner Bambang Askar said his team had conducted a crime scene investigation. Witnesses near the location were questioned.

“According to witness statements, they were unaware of the incident and also explained that at the time there was no disturbance or commotion, and activities were normal as usual,” said Commissioner Bambang in his statement on Wednesday (12/8).

Bambang said community police officers had visited the scene. They also attempted to trace the identity of the mysterious man by asking local residents.

“No one recognised him,” he added.

Police then examined CCTV footage around the scene. From preliminary analysis, the CCTV recorded the activity of a person who appeared to be conducting surveillance.

“The man was holding an object resembling a firearm and occasionally pointed it towards the parking area of a production and printing business, but he did not remain long before leaving the location,” he explained.

“They (the witnesses) only became aware after the operations team showed them the footage circulating on social media,” he continued.

Police are still tracing the identity of the viral man who was seen crouching while carrying an object resembling a pistol on the roadside in the Ciputat area of South Tangerang. Residents believe the man was playing war games while carrying a plastic toy pistol.

“According to residents, it looked like someone playing war games, as if searching for someone, then he walked towards Gaplek,” said East Ciputat Police Chief Commissioner Bambang Askar Sodiq in his statement on Wednesday (12/8/2026).

Still according to residents’ accounts, Bambang said, locals suspected the man was carrying a plastic toy pistol rather than a real firearm.

“The neighbourhood unit head said it was a toy pistol he had with him there, a green plastic toy gun,” he added.

Bambang said his team is still tracing the man’s identity. He noted that residents suspect the man may have a mental health condition.

“Initial information from local residents suggests the person appeared to have some form of disturbance,” he said.