Beon escapee caught

By ANGELINE KARIUS
POLICE in Madang have recaptured a Beon prison escapee after responding to an attempted robbery at the Faith Baptist church.
Provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jnr said the suspect was also wanted by police in Lae for rape and armed robbery charges against him.
He said they also recovered a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition.
He said the suspect was among a group who had attempted to rob the church of its takings but failed after a quick response from his men.
 “There was a shootout involved following their getaway along the Malobor and Finch road in
the Newtown area,’’ he said.
“I have issued directives to my men to use maximum force in the event that suspects are believed to be armed.”
He said the public should be aware of the rise in criminal activities as we approach the festive season.
“My policemen will soon be gearing up for the festive operations,” he said.
Wagambie appealed for community assistance as police still lacked manpower.