Crime suspect shot and in hospital

The National National

A MAN wanted for a string of serious crimes in East New Britain was shot by police and hospitalised yesterday, police say.
A licensed firearm belonging to an expatriate businessman was recovered from him.
Acting provincial police commander Joseph Tabali said the man was apprehended yesterday morning at Mendi compound, Raniolo Settlement in Kokopo, after a tip-off.
Tabali said police recovered a licensed firearm belonging to expatriate businessman Rod Brooks.
The gun was taken from Brook’s home at Tokua while he was overseas recently.
Tabali said the suspect had been wanted by police for questioning regarding a string of crimes including:

  • the rape of a young girl;
  • the Bank South Pacific robbery at Palmalmal in Pomio;
  • armed robberies at Garden Enterprise and Fafen supermarkets;
  • an attempted robbery along New Britain Highway; and,
  • Other robberies in Rabaul and Gazelle.

Tabali thanked those who tipped off police and said their identities would be kept confidential.