Armed man killed in shootout with Lahad Datu cops

KOTA KINABALU: Police in Sabah's east coast Lahad Datu killed an armed man as they stormed his house in Kg Jawa at about 6am on Friday (Dec 28).

The 47-year-old man, who was armed with a shotgun inside the house, was shot dead as police broke down the door after he refused to surrender, said Lahad Datuk Datu OCPD Asst Comm Nasri Mansor.

ACP Nasri, who led the operation, said that a police strike team from the district's criminal investigations department, had gone to the house after receiving a tip-off from the public.

"Despite knocking on the door numerous times and identifying themselves as police, there was no response, and the suspect refused to open the door.

He said police, who broke down the door, surprised the suspect, who then aimed his gun at the police.

He said one of the members of the strike team then fired several shots at the suspect, who was about to shoot.

ACP Nasri said police recovered the loaded shotgun, two 12-gauge bullets, a 75cm-long parang and some identity documents believed to be from the Philippines.

However, he said that the suspect did not have any valid identity documents and is believed to be a foreigner of Suluk descent.

He said investigations under the Firearms Act were ongoing and police are looking into the background of the suspect.