Two suspected criminals shot dead

TANGERANG: Two alleged motorcycle thieves were shot dead by police after trying to evade arrest in Pinang subdistrict in Cipondoh, Tangerang, early on Monday.

Deputy chief of detectives Insp. Kustanto said the men had been identified as Rimin, 38, and Sakim, 40. They had long been sought by police in connection with a series of violent motorcycle thefts.

Kustanto said his detectives arrested Sakim at Cipulir market on Sunday afternoon. Thirty minutes later, Rimin was arrested in Kunciran subdistrict. Both suspects were taken for questioning to the local police station.

"Both Sakim and Rimin admitted they were members of Adi Bangkong's gang. Adi is wanted in connection with serious crimes," Kustanto said.

Both detainees later led detectives to Adi's hideout in the Pinang area. But Adi knew they were coming and managed to escape while shooting at the police.

The detectives shot Adi in the leg but he still managed to escape. Sakim and Rimin tried to follow their leader in escaping only to be both shot in the chest. The bodies of Sakim and Rimin are now lying in the Tangerang General Hospital morgue. -- JP