Three cops hurt in mob attack

Three cops hurt in mob attack

JAKARTA: An angry mob turned on three policemen late on
Tuesday after the officers intervened to stop the mob from
beating an alleged pickpocket in front of the Christian
University of Indonesia in East Jakarta.

The incident began when a mob surrounded and began beating
Asudungan Silalahi, 23, an employee of the Dewi Sri bus company,
who was accused of picking the pocket of a bus passenger.

The three officers, who were dining in a nearby food stall,
intervened to save Silalahi.

Because the officers -- Second Brig. Ricky Roland, Second
Brig. Trinitas and Second Brig. Parlindungan -- were not wearing
uniforms, the mob apparently believed they were Silalahi's
accomplices.

Silalahi and Trinitas received head injuries that required
stitches to close in the attack, while Roland and Parlindungan
suffered minor injuries.

The police are investigating the incident. -- JP