Two men shot dead in S. Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead two men yesterday for resisting arrest in two separate incidents in South Jakarta.

South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adhiwinoto said Sapei, alias Parno, was shot on the roof of an empty house on Jl. Pendopo, in the Pesanggrahan Mas housing complex, in Kebayoran Lama at 2 a.m.

"The suspect tried to enter the house but was seen by the housing complex security guard," Sisno said.

He said the guard ordered Parno down from the roof, but he threatened the guard with a sword.

A police officer arrived and also ordered Parno down from the roof.

Sisno said that after firing two warning shots, the officer shot Parno because he was still resisting arrest.

Parno fell from the roof and died from a chest wound, he said.

Sisno said Parno had spent time in jail.

Almost at the same time, another man was shot after trying to escape from police on Jl. Kayu Manis, in Pondok Cabe.

Sisno said Sugeng Maryoto, 31, had been asked by police to take them to his friends who had allegedly been involved in several car thefts.

He said Sugeng tried to grab a gun from one of the officers but failed. Then he tried to escape.

"The officer shot him in the head after firing two warning shots," he said.

Maryoto who lived on Jl. Pendowo in Depok, died instantly, he said.

Sisno said the police had arrested Maryoto two weeks ago for stealing a car in South Jakarta.

He said the police were still hunting his accomplices.

At least 22 men have been shot dead by police since January. According to the police, most of them were shot for resisting arrest. (jun)