Rob suspect caught in hospital after shootout with cops

MANILA, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who robbed a taxi driver together with an accomplice on Thursday was arrested in a hospital in Quezon City where he sought treatment for his injuries following a shootout with police officers.

Cesar Teodoro Jr. was apprehended by police at St. Luke’s Medical Center along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen Nicolas Torre III said.

Teodoro was identified by the victim, a 58-year-old taxi driver, as among the two men who robbed him at the corner of Tabayoc and N.S. Amoranto streets in Barangay Sto. Domingo at around 8:20 p.m. on Thursday.

Police investigators said Teodoro and his alleged accomplice, Restituto Elejorde, 62, hailed the victim’s taxi in Baclaran and asked to be brought to Quezon City. Elejorde remains at large.

While traveling, the suspects pulled out handguns and declared a heist but the driver managed to alight from the vehicle and seek assistance from police officers patrolling the area.

A chase ensued as the suspects fled using the taxi and even ran over a police officer riding a motorcycle.

The policemen opened fire but the suspects were able to elude them.

Afterwards, Torre said they received information about a patient in a hospital with gunshot wounds.

Police recovered a .38 caliber handgun and a folded knife from Teodoro, who is facing charges of robbery, car theft, resistance and disobedience to a person in authority, direct assault, reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and illegal possession of a firearm.

A manhunt is ongoing for Elejorde, who is reportedly a resident of Malibay, Pasay City.