Man who ran amok killed, responding cop injured

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An alleged drug user who allegedly went wild was killed by responding policemen at Barangay 6, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental last Friday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Mead, city police chief, identified the fatality as a certain Ruel Mata of Barangay 1.

Mead said Police Staff Sergeant Rosendo Rosagazo and Patrolman Nicolas Martinez, both personnel of San Carlos City Police Station, responded to a call for assistance when Mata, who was only wearing his underwear allegedly broke the shelves of a bakery past 11 p.m. and also allegedly hit those who passed by the area, with a wooden chair.

When police arrived, Mata also attacked them with a broken glass but Rosagazo slipped when he tried to evade the attack, prompting Martinez to shoot the suspect, Mead said.

Police gave a warning shot but the suspect refused to listen and still attempted to attack them, which prompted them to shoot him again.

Mead said Mata sustained four gunshot wounds and stab wounds after he also hurt himself.

Mata was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead. Rosagazo was wounded and sustained minor injuries.

Mead said it was self defense in the performance of duty on the part of the police and they did not provoke the suspect.