An alleged mobile phone snatcher was killed while his cohort was arrested in an encounter with a police officer in Malate, Manila on Wednesday night (Feb. 17).
Police identified the fatality as Joshua Mansal, 20 and the arrested suspect as Delber Sta. Rita, 21 – both residents of Tondo, Manila.
Investigation showed that a certain 18-year-old woman was walking along the Capitan Ticong Street when the two motorcycle-riding suspects snatched her phone and fled toward Dagonoy Street.
Bystanders chased after the motorcycle after hearing the victim scream "snatcher!"
During the chase, one of the suspects lost control of the vehicle and crashed against another motorcycle. The two left their motorcycle and fled on foot.
They were later blocked by Police Corporal Symon Marasigan. Mansal reportedly tried to draw something from his sling bag while Sta. Rita tried to steal the police man's firearm.
Amid the scuffle, the gun reportedly fired and hit Mansal in the head, killing him instantly.
Marasigan also gained possession of his firearm and arrested Sta. Rita.
Retrieved from the suspects were a blue Yamaha Mio scooter and a sling bag containing six cellphones.
Sta. Rita, who is now under police custody, will be facing appropriate charges.