Robbery suspect shot dead

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)