Two ex-convicts shot in robbery

JAKARTA (JP): Two ex-convicts were shot by a policeman for allegedly robbing a gold necklace from a woman on Jl. Pejagalan Raya in the Tambora district of West Jakarta early yesterday.

Tambora police chief Maj. Chairul Anwar said that an officer who was in the area gave chase to the two suspects when he heard cries for help from people in the Pejagalan market.

"The villains ignored the warning shots he fired so he shot and wounded them," he added.

The two suspects, identified as Heru Merdipan, 25 and Pulung, 37, were released from jail about a month ago after completing sentences for minor robberies.

Chairul said that two other members of the gang escaped from the scene on a motorcycle.

Heru and Pulung were rushed to Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta for treatment.

The victim in the robbery, Warsini, 30, was stabbed in her left leg by one of the gang during the incident. She was rushed to Sumber Waras Hospital in West Jakarta, but was allowed to go home after receiving medical treatment.

Chairul said four people riding two motorcycles tried to force Warsini to hand over her 20-gram gold necklace at 6:30 a.m.

"Warsini refused their demand so they stabbed her in the leg with a machete and snatched it from her," Chairul said.

"We are still looking for the other two robbers," Chairul added.

"I have not yet heard any news about the condition of the two men shot during the incident," city police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said.

"If the doctor says that they do not need to stay in hospital then they will be sent back to Tambora police subprecinct for questioning," he said.

He claimed the police have identified the two members of the gang who escaped, but asked the media to be patient in awaiting the results of efforts to track them down. (ivy/edt)