Two months on the run, gang member involved in arrow attack arrested by police

Admitted to being a member of a motorbike gang calling itself ‘Calon Imam’. Makassar (ANTARA) - A 17-year-old member of a motorbike gang, identified as HZM, who had been on the run for two months, was arrested by police at his hideout on Jalan Tanjung Salipo in Makassar early Sunday (31 January). The suspect shot the victim, identified as IS (22), with an arrow, striking his neck, on 1 April 2026 at Jalan Emmy Saelan in Makassar, South Sulawesi. ‘The suspect was arrested at his hideout on Jalan Tanjung Salipo in Makassar after fleeing following the attack. He admitted to the crime and identified himself as a member of the motorbike gang ’Calon Imam’,’ said Rappocini Police Chief Kompol Ismail in Makassar on Monday. The police chief stressed that with this arrest, the department is committed to eradicating all forms of street crime that disturb the public and will not tolerate any space for criminals. ‘This includes the use of sharp weapons or bow and arrows, which pose significant danger to public safety. All involved perpetrators will be dealt with strictly according to the law,’ he added. Authorities also urged the public to actively participate in maintaining security by promptly reporting any activities that could threaten public order. ‘We hope residents do not hesitate to report any criminal activities or unsettling group actions they become aware of,’ he said. The suspect was apprehended after the Rappocini Police Station’s Mobile Unit, led by Sub-Inspector Suprianto, received information about his location and swiftly moved to arrest him at Jalan Tanjung Salipo in Tamarunang Village, Mariso District, Makassar on Sunday (31 May). The assault occurred on Wednesday (1 April 2026) around 11:00 PM WITA in front of a minimarket on Jalan Emmy Saelan. The victim was suddenly attacked with an arrow by several individuals, striking his neck. Fortunately, his life was saved. The attack was recorded on video and went viral on social media, drawing public attention and widespread discussion on social platforms. Following investigations, the suspects were identified and arrested. According to the suspect’s confession, they encountered the victim during a motorbike convoy. Feeling insulted after believing they were shouted at, they turned around and immediately attacked by firing an arrow. ‘The arrow struck the victim’s neck. One arrow, suspected to be used in the assault, was seized as evidence. The suspect is now detained at the police station,’ he added. Previously, police arrested two other gang members involved in the attack: AP (16), apprehended in Regency Housing, Barombong, Gowa Regency, and SN (16), detained at Jalan Manuruki 9 in Makassar on 6 April 2026. Three suspects, all juveniles in conflict with the law (ABH), have been identified in the case. The motorbike gang calling itself ‘Calon Imam’ frequently conducts convoys in various parts of Makassar. During the attack, ten suspects were riding motorcycles together. It is suspected the teenagers were under the influence of alcohol, leading them to attack an innocent person.