Robber killed, cop hurt in Quiapo shootout

An unidentified robber was killed while a policeman was wounded during a shootout at Quiapo, Manila Saturday night, investigators from the Manila Police District (MPD) said yesterday.

The suspect, about 35 to 40 years old, died on the spot after he was shot by Senior Police Officer 4 Antonio Espadero of MPD Station 3 in Barbosa, Sta Cruz.

Espadero sustained a gunshot wound in his foot following a gunfight with the suspect and his two cohorts at around 7:30 p.m. at the corner of Arlegui Street and Quezon Boulevard.

Initial investigation showed that Espadero was on his way to work when he heard a gunshot and saw the three suspects fleeing from a passenger jeepney they had just robbed. The robbers flagged down a passenger Isuzu Highlander taxi (TVN-165) and tried to escape.

When Espadero attempted to stop them, one of the suspects drew a gun and fired at him twice. All three suspects got out of the vehicle and tried to flee on foot. Police said a shootout then ensued. A bullet had gone through the slain suspect’s left eye.

The two others managed to escape but one of them also sustained a wound, according to taxi driver Carlito Clavio. Espadero was rushed to Chinese General Hospital for treatment.

Police Officer 2 Joseph Kabigting of the MPD’s  homicide section said they recovered from the crime scene a .45 caliber gun and a red Lacoste pouch bag the suspects had left.

Kabigting said they will conduct further investigation to identify the slain robbery suspect and his two companions.  – Edu Punay