Robbery suspect shot dead

JAKARTA (JP): Police fatally shot one of Bali's most wanted criminals here yesterday morning for his alleged role in a series of bank robberies in the tourist resort island.

South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. SY Wenas told reporters that the suspect, identified as Herman Aljon, 31, was shot to death after trying to escape a pre-dawn raid at his second-wife's residence in the Pondok Hijau housing complex, Ciputat, South Jakarta.

Wenas said that he was informed by the West Denpasar police detectives in Bali that Herman was suspected of being the boss of a group of bank robbers.

Their last known robbery in Bali was the recent robbery of Rp 100 million (US$43,950) cash from a bank director, Wenas quoted the Denpasar police as saying.

Informed by the South Jakarta police about the possible whereabouts of Herman, three Denpasar detectives led by chief Capt. Syafrizal went to the address with the backup of several Ciputat and Kebayoran Baru police.

At about midnight yesterday, the police joint team searched Herman's house in North Petukangan area but the suspect was not in. Hours later, the officers were informed that Herman was staying at his second-wife's home.

After police had surrounded the house Herman tried to escape with a sickle in his hands, Wenas said.

After firing three warning shots, one of the Bali police fatally shot Herman," Wenas added.

The other gang members have not yet been identified. (bsr)