Wanted criminal shot by police in Rabaul

A WANTED criminal has died after he was shot by police in Rabaul yesterday during a joint operation with locals, East New Britain police commander Joseph Tabali says.
Tabali told The National that the deceased, Edmond Steven, 19, from West New Britain, was killed in the early hours of the morning around 4am while at his mother’s home at Redlight settlement in Rabaul.
“He was trying to escape while in possession of a home-made gun when police shot him and took him to Nonga General Hospital where he died,” he said.
The mother and two other relatives were arrested and charged with harbouring a fugitive and detained at Rabaul Police Station and will appear in court next week.
The deceased had escaped from Kerevat jail on Feb, 19 with 15 other prisoners and had been on the run since.
Tabali said Steven was wanted by police for a string of robberies in Rabaul; he is alleged to have robbed businesses Blue Sky Shop, John Jay Shop and Happiness Trading multiple times.
“He was charged with armed robbery and was at Kerevat when he escaped.
“I encourage all community leaders, families and friends to report escapees to the police or they will face the consequences if police have to capture them.”