Police Shoot Armed Motorcycle Thief Who Resisted Arrest, Sahroni Says Action Was Appropriate

Police have arrested two repeat offenders specialising in motorcycle theft who frequently operated with firearms within the jurisdiction of the South Jakarta Metropolitan Police. The pair were apprehended at their home in East Lampung Regency, Lampung. Police took firm action as the suspects resisted officers during the arrest. In addition to capturing the two perpetrators, police seized a firearm loaded with five 9mm calibre bullets. Deputy Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Sahroni, stated that the police action was measured, considering the criminals resisted arrest and were suspected of possessing a firearm. “I see the police action as appropriate and measured, because it was carried out against repeat offenders who resisted officers during the arrest. In such situations, the safety of personnel in the field must be the priority,” Sahroni said in a written statement on Monday. He added that the threat was real, both for the officers and the surrounding community, as the suspects were allegedly armed. “As long as it is carried out according to standard operating procedures, such firm action is necessary,” Sahroni said. He further urged the police force not to hesitate in taking anticipatory steps when apprehending dangerous criminals. “Going forward, the police must not hesitate to take firm and measured action against criminals who resist officers, whether they are motorcycle thieves, muggers, drug dealers, motorcycle gangs, or other criminals,” he stated. He stressed that all actions must be carried out professionally, proportionally, and according to procedure. “The state must not lose to criminals who use violence or weapons to resist law enforcement,” Sahroni concluded.