Police detective dies in possible suicide

JAKARTA (JP): A police detective died on the way to the hospital after being found in West Jakarta Thursday with a single gun-shot wound to his forehead.

The detective, Second Sgt. Elvis Sitorus, 24, of the Kali Deres Police Subprecinct, was not on duty when the incident took place.

It is unofficially suspected that Elvis committed suicide due to a failed love affair.

Elvis, a resident of the Bandara Duta Permai housing estate in Kosambi, West Jakarta, was the first Jakarta police officer to have died this year. At least five officers died last year while either on or off duty.

City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang confirmed Elvis' death but strongly denied that police had concluded that it was a suicide.

"Some information suggests that Elvis may have intentionally shot himself. But we only have vague information which must be clarified. We're still investigating the case."

Separately, West Jakarta Police chief Lt. Col. Timur Pradopo hesitantly answered reporters' questions about Elvis' death.

"So far, our preliminary investigation has indicated that Elvis died in an accident. But that's not final. We are still investigating the case," Timur said.

Lukman, one of Elvis' relatives, said that Elvis' body was sent to Medan, North Sumatra, for burial.

He said the police told the family that Elvis died in an accident, while doctors at Cipto Hospital said Elvis had committed suicide.

He said Elvis had gone out to visit some friends that night and had taken his motorcycle.

"It's hard to believe. If it was an accident, why did he have a bullet wound?" asked Lukman.

Forensic doctor Mun'im Idries, who examined Elvis' body at Cipto Hospital, said that the bullet wound indicated the officer had apparently committed suicide.

"It was from a shot at point-blank range and the gun was held with his right hand," Mun'im said.

He said an examination of Elvis' right palm further proved his conclusion.

He also revealed that the victim's blood contained alcohol, but he declined to reveal the exact level.

"He was under the influence of alcohol. People who are depressed and under an unbearable stress are easily provoked," said Mun'im.

Mun'im said that members of Elvis' family who came to the hospital's morgue mentioned that Elvis' girlfriend may have become involved with another man.

Witnesses told reporters that Elvis was last seen at the house of his unidentified girlfriend on Jl. Peta Barat in Kalideres, West Jakarta.

They said the couple had apparently been involved in an argument. Nearby residents heard Elvis yell at his girlfriend, "I'll stay far away from you".

They also said that a single gun shot was heard inside the house a couple of minutes before another shot was heard on the street in front of the house.

Soon after, residents found the dying officer on the street. (cst/04)