Lone officer thwarts hold-up

A LONE policeman in his private vehicle thwarted an armed hold-up of a bus along the Alotau-Gurney road in Milne Bay, police commander Supt Peter Barkie says.
“The policeman was driving his vehicle behind a PMV when four suspects armed with homemade guns came out of the bush and stopped the bus at the notorious gravel pit on Tuesday morning,” he said.
“That pit is a hot spot for hold ups along this road,” Supt Barkie said.”
Barkie said when the PMV stopped, the policeman thought that passengers were getting off but realised it was a hold up when he heard gun shots.
“He then came out and open fire with his firearm at the suspects which the suspects then fled into the bushes.
He then called for backup and police officers rushed from Alotau Police Station to the scene.
Supt Barkie said a suspect was captured and detained.