CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- A suspected robber, who allegedly turned into a hostage taker, was arrested near a university by policemen.

The suspect, Roel De Dios, was nabbed after holding hostage a 38 year-old woman inside a passenger jeepney traveling along the McArthur Highway portion of Barangay Ninoy Aquino in Angeles City.

Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon director, said that the suspect boarded the passenger jeepney plying Checkpoint-Holy Angel University route around 4 a.m. on Monday.

Upon reaching a point, De Dios, who was armed with a handgun, allegedly declared a hold-up.

The driver, identified as Jojo Dumlao, then reportedly stopped and alighted the vehicle along with his passengers, added Corpus.

Corpus said that a female passenger identified as Melba Ching, 38, was left inside the jeepney and held hostage by De Dios who was reportedly asking for certain amount of money.

“After going down from the vehicle, the driver ran away to the nearest Police Assistance Desk and reported the incident to Senior Police Officer 1 Nielson Egloria and Police Officer 1 Ren Mar Reyes who were then manning the post. Egloria and Reyes quickly responded in the scene upon receiving the report,” Corpus said.

To save the victim, Corpus said an officer tried to negotiate with De Dios but the latter fired his gun forcing the policemen to fire back.

The suspect sustained gunshot wounds on his head and body, police said.

The unharmed victim was able to run away after the shootout.

De Dios was immediately brought to Rafael Lazatin Memorial Hospital for medical attention.

Charges are being prepared against the suspect before the Angeles City Prosecutor’s Office.

Corpus said that Central Luzon policemen are directed to double their efforts to ensure peace and order and public safety.

“We are doubling our efforts to work round-the-clock in order to guarantee the public of a safe and sound sleep, keeping our eyes always open against lawless elements and their activities,” Corpus added.