Thursday, September 13, 2007
Swat member shoots ‘snatcher’ for resisting
A SUSPECTED snatcher was shot by a member of the Cebu City Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team last Tuesday afternoon.
PO2 Arthur M. Sabang said he was forced to shoot Crisanto S. Zaraga, 24, of Talisay City after the latter allegedly attempted to stab him with a knife.
According to an investigation by SPO3 Edmund Molas of the Theft and Robbery Section, Sabang was on patrol duty along M.J. Cuenco Ave. past 3 p.m. Tuesday when Leah Mae C. Yu, 25, sought his help.
Yu had just been victimized by a snatcher.
Yu said she was a riding a Mambaling-bound jeepney that stopped for a red light along M.J. Cuence Ave. when the suspect, later identified as Zaraga, snatched her P1,900 worth gold necklace with pendant.
Yu, who saw Zaraga casually walk away after taking her necklace, got off the jeepney and approached the patrol car boarded by Sabang, which also stopped for the red light.
Sabang asked Yu to get inside the patrol car and guide him.
When Sabang and Yu spotted Zaraga, the police operative got out of the car to arrest the suspect.
Before Sabang could arrest Zaraga, however, the suspect allegedly assaulted him.
Sabang shot Zaraga once, hitting him in the back. Zaraga reportedly tried to run away when Sabang shot him.
Sabang rushed Zaraga to the Cebu City Medical Center.
Acting Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador, in an interview, said the incident happened in the
performance of duty.
“He was responding to a call for assistance. It was legitimate,” he said.
However, Comendador said, Sabang will still be investigated to determine if he violated the rules of engagement in shooting Zaraga. (JST)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 13, 2007 issue)
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