Malabon cops shoot crazed hostage-taker

Police shot and seriously injured a drug-crazed man who stabbed his wife while holding her hostage early yesterday in Malabon City.

Jerry Arnado, 22, of Block 1, Phase 4, Luvy Homes Subdivision, Paradise Village in Barangay Tunsuya, is now under observation at the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital for gunshot wounds in the face and neck.

The suspect’s wife, Joan, 22, who sustained stab wounds in the stomach and the neck is already out of danger, police said.

Police investigator Redentor Mantala Jr. said that at around 3 a.m., they received a phone call from barangay kagawad Alberto Orsolino about an ongoing situation drama at the Arnado residence.

Neighbors told police the suspect and his wife were engaged in a heated argument, but later heard Joan shouting for help.

The suspect, whom police described as "mentally disturbed" and reportedly high on drugs, threatened to kill his wife with an ice pick when concerned citizens came near his house.

When Orsolino and other residents tried to pacify Arnado, the suspect released gas from an LPG tank and threatened to blow up the house.

When a police team led by SPO1 Jessie Caranto arrived, the suspect panicked and started stabbing his wife, Mantala said. This prompted the lawmen to fire at the suspect.

The injured Arnado and his wife were rushed by the police to the Pagamutang Lungsod ng Malabon. They were later transferred to the Jose Reyes Hospital. – Pete Laude