One killed, two injured in armed robberies

JAKARTA (JP): Robbers shot and killed a motorist and stole his vehicle early on Tuesday morning in Cikarang, Bekasi, police said.

A passerby who attempted to intervene in the robbery also was injured and his motorcycle stolen, city police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said.

Anton said Otim, 35, a construction worker, was shot dead by a gang of six robbers at about 1 a.m on Tuesday on Jl. Tanggul Arum in Pasir Koci subdistrict, Cikarang district.

He said Yanto, a resident of Cikarang, who was passing by the scene and attempted to intervene, also was shot by the robbers.

Residents rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, but Otim died en route. Yanto is still being treated for a gunshot wound to the head.

Meanwhile, a gang of six robbers shot a trader, identified as Bokir, and stole his motorcycle on Jl. Raya Bina Marga in Cipayung district, East Jakarta.

Bokir, a resident of Cipayung, said he was followed by the robbers, who were riding aboard three motorcycles, from the time he left his home early on Tuesday morning.

The victim was surrounded by the robbers in a quiet area and they became involved in an argument. One of the robbers then pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

The robbers stole the victim's motorcycle and fled the scene. Bokir is being treated at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for a gunshot wound to his torso.

A source in the police said they believed the attack on Bokir was motivated by revenge, adding that the police were still searching for the suspects.

An armed robbery also occurred late on Monday night. In this incident, unidentified men broke into a house in Jati Asih subdistrict in Bekasi.

The robbers threatened a maid in the house, identified as Warli, with a gun before making off with a Kijang van, gold jewelry and Rp 1 million in cash.

In response to an increase in armed robberies in the city, Anton said police were deploying more officers to crime-prone areas in the capital.

"The officers, including undercover officers, have been deployed to (crime-prone) places, such as crossroads, to prevent crime," he said.

He also said bank customers withdrawing large amounts of money should not be hesitant to ask the police for help if they feel they require a police escort. (jun)