Soldier stabbed to death

JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Police have apprehended four people for allegedly stabbing an army soldier to death on Saturday following a dispute over a parking space.

North Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andi Chaeruddin identified one of the four suspects as Ali, a resident of Semper, Koja, North Jakarta.

"Ali was arrested about five or six hours after the incident. The knife used in the crime was also seized from him," Andi said on Sunday.

The other three were arrested later after Ali had been questioned at the police headquarters.

Andi said that the victim, identified as First Sgt. Chairul, was assaulted and stabbed by Ali and his accomplices.

Earlier, Chairul had accompanied his brother who was driving a trailer truck to a truck stop in Semper.

As they parked up their vehicle, Ali asked for the payment of what he claimed was a parking fee. They were soon involved in a fierce argument.

Enraged, Chairul then challenged Ali, who was backed up by three friends. The soldier was set on and stabbed several times.

The victim died en route to the nearby Tugu Hospital.

He was clad in civilian clothes when the incident took place. (emf)