Two shot dead for resisting arrest

TANGERANG (JP): Police shot dead two men suspected of robbing a truck carrying steel on the Bitung toll road and have arrested a further three suspects in the case.

Tangerang Police chief Lt. Col. Aryanto Boediharjo said Acang, 30, and Jueni, 35, were shot dead Tuesday after they threatened police officers with sickles.

"Both men sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and died on the way to hospital," Boediharjo said.

The other three suspects arrested were identified as Romli, 29, Sahrudin, 29, and Juhri, 29, he said.

The thieves allegedly stopped the truck on the toll road on Monday, tied up the driver and his assistant, loaded them into a van and dumped them in Cilincing, North Jakarta.

Police officers were dispatched after the victims reported the crime.

Romli, Sahrudin, Juhri and Acang were cornered in Kemuning village, Balaraja district and Jueni was tracked down in Ranca Labuh village, Mauk district, Boediharjo said.

"The robbers were known to be a sadistic gang who frequently injured their victims. We hope the death of two suspects and the arrest of the other three men will help reduce crime in the area," Boediharjo added. (41/jun)