Cops warn vs carjacker using stun gun

The Caloocan City police warned the public yesterday against a carjacker who robs taxi drivers of their vehicles by first immobilizing them using an electronic device similar to a stun gun.

Senior Inspector Ramon Esguerra, chief of the Caloocan police anti-carjacking unit, told The STAR this was the first of its kind to happen in Caloocan City.

Esguerra said victim Romeo Labador, who drove a white Herletjoy taxi (PXJ-790), filed a complaint with the police yesterday.

Labador described the weapon as a portable, battery-operated gadget similar to a stun gun that immobilizes the victim temporarily upon direct contact with the skin.

He could not exactly say what the gadget was but said it was one that can be readily purchased at local stores.

Labador said two men divested him of his earnings amounting to P2,300 and carjacked his taxi last Wednesday.

Labador said one of the suspects flagged him down on Boni Serrano street near EDSA. As soon as the man seated himself in the back of the cab, he announced a heist.

Before Labador could react, the man held the gadget to his neck. He said he was conscious but immobile, unable to react as the man helped himself to the money he kept in his pocket.

Labador said another man opened the door on the driver’s side, punched him on the head and dragged him out of the cab.

The first suspect then took the wheel and sped towards EDSA leaving the victim by the side of the road. Police have raised an alarm to recover the stolen cab.