End of the road: Police checking the car driven by the suspect after an early morning shootout in Bayan Lepas, Penang that left the suspect dead.
Eight believed to be part of robbery gang in Penang arrested
GEORGE TOWN: Police believe they have solved 25 cases of armed robbery, house break-in and theft at self-service launderettes after a man was shot dead in Bayan Lepas.
The 35-year-old suspect is believed to be part of a group responsible for the crime spree, which resulted in losses estimated at RM500,000.
Following the 4.15am shootout yesterday, eight other people, including a woman, were picked up at several locations across the state.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said four of the eight arrested had criminal records, adding that all the suspects were remanded to facilitate investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder and Section 8 of the Firearms Act 1960 for possession or carrying a firearm and ammunition without licence or permit.
“With the arrest, we have successfully solved 25 cases of robbery, house break-in and launderette theft in Penang, with total losses and damages amounting to RM500,000,” he said.
Before the shootout, a team from the state Criminal Investigation Department was on a crime prevention patrol when they came across a luxury car along Jalan Lintang Bukit Jambul, Bayan Lepas.
“The patrol team approached the car and identified themselves to the driver. He alighted from the car and started shooting at the police vehicle.
“The policemen were forced to open fire in self-defence. The man died at the scene,” he said, adding that the body had been sent to the Forensics Department at Penang Hospital.
Comm Hamzah said the man had a record of 19 criminal offences and 15 drug-related crimes.
A search of the man’s car yielded an FNP-45 pistol with three bullets, a steel bar, two wooden sticks, two machetes, 22.5g of methamphetamine, a signal jammer, housebreaking tools and clothing.
