Robber shot dead, companion nabbed after taxi driver hold-up

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A man was shot dead after he allegedly resisted arrest following a robbery hold-up incident victimizing a taxi driver in Barangay 40 here on Monday.

Police Capt. Peter Ramos, head of Police Station 6, said the slain suspect’s companion was also arrested.

Ramos said the two suspects flagged down a taxi at the downtown area and, upon reaching an area near a church in Barangay 40, allegedly threatened the 74-year-old driver at gunpoint and knifepoint, declaring a hold-up and carting away PHP 2,100.

The victim fought back to resist the suspects, sustaining injuries in the process, but the two managed to escape.

Motorcycle patrollers conducting a roving operation were coincidentally nearby when the victim called for help, and they managed to chase the suspects.

One of the suspects allegedly drew and pointed a gun at a police officer, prompting the latter to open fire due to imminent danger.

The other suspect also allegedly tried to attack an officer with a bladed weapon but was subdued and arrested.

Ramos said the suspect who was shot was hit in the head during the confrontation and was declared dead at a hospital, while robbery charges are being prepared against the arrested perpetrator.

He said they are checking the backgrounds of the suspects for existing arrest warrants and possible involvement in recent robbery hold-up incidents in the city.

Ramos said the status of the police officer who neutralized one of the suspects will depend on his commander.