Police shot dead two, arrest another four

JAKARTA (JP): City police shot dead two fugitives and arrested another four during raids Wednesday night at different spots in the city.

The chief of detectives for general affairs, Lt. Col. Prasetyo, said the six men were wanted for a series of crimes committed since late 1995 in Greater Jakarta and West Java.

"The six criminals, mostly repeat offenders, have made off with at least Rp 30 million in cash, 55 computers, and goods worth around Rp 140 million," Prasetyo said, adding that the police had planned the operation for more than a month.

The four arrested were Marlon Tampubolon, 23, Raden Simanjuntak, 26, Kilong Tampubolon, 30, and Johny Zulkarnain, 31. Police caught Marlon and Raden at a drinks stall in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, while Kilong and Johny were caught in Kelapa Gading and at a billiards center in Pulomas, both in East Jakarta.

The two killed -- Djenny Sinaga, 23, and Herman Sihotang, 31 -- were shot as they tried to resist arrest.

The criminals had robbed a drugstore on Jl. Fatmawati, South Jakarta, and taken medicine, including barbiturates, worth Rp 70 million.

They also burgled a carpet store on Jl. Daan Mogot, West Jakarta, and made off with 35 carpets worth at least Rp 30 million.

Police also caught three men -- Sabar, Yahya Batubara, and Elang Pamungkas -- buying stolen goods. The three were busted while bargaining with the fugitives.

Prasetyo said the fugitives had worked in groups of six. "Police are now looking for ten more of their accomplices."

Meanwhile, a police officer has been detained by the military police for shooting a man dead in a quarrel in Central Jakarta Thursday.

The officer, identified as Sgt. Husnul Huda, was being questioned by the Central Jakarta's military police for shooting Masril, 36, on Jl. Fachruddin, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta.

Witnesses say the two quarreled after Husnul's motorcycle accidentally grazed Masril.

Police sources said Masril blamed it on Husnul's recklessness. Husnul got angry and shot him.

Sources at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital said the victim's body had four shot wounds; two in the chest, one in the stomach and another in the buttocks.

Masril, a driver at PT Jasa Prima Sarana, a forwarding company, on Jl. Wahid Hasyim, Central Jakarta. He is survived by a wife and two children. (04)