Robbery suspect shot dead

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ONE man was shot dead and another two were arrested by police after an armed robbery at Andersons Foodland at Eriku in Lae on March 28, according to police.
Northern Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Peter Guinness told The National that about 10 armed men with home-made guns stormed the supermarket and made away with K607 in cash and store goods.
“They went through the main entrance and at gunpoint, they stole the cash, cigarettes, mobile phones, boom boxes and other items and made their getaway using a vehicle towards Boundary Road,” ACP Guinness said.
Police were alerted through the police toll-free number and they pursued them.
He said police exchanged fire with the gang, resulting in one being shot dead and another two shot and captured by police.
The two captured were later charged with armed robbery.
Some of the stolen properties were recovered.
The two injured are undergoing treatment at Angau Memorial Hospital.
“Identities of the other suspects who are still at large have been established and police are investigating the matter,” he said.
Meanwhile, ACP Guinness in response to yesterday’s front page story, has warned policemen and women in the region to be mindful of engaging in police brutality.
“Police personnel have to live by their code of ethics and act within the law and not act above the law,” he said. He said if any member of the constabulary in this command acted beyond what was expected from him or her, he or she would be dealt with accordingly and might face termination from the force.
ACP Guinness said if any member went before the court over allegations levelled at them, it would be entirely on them to defend themselves.
He said he would be travelling to Madang to address police brutality with members of the constabulary.