PAMPANGA — A suspect in a robbery holdup of a mini supermarket in Mabalacat city died on Wednesday after engaging the policemen in a shootout during a hot pursuit operation.
Elements of the Mabalacat City police launched a hot pursuit operation after learning of the description of the suspects who allegedly robbed the Alfamart convenience store in Bgy. Bundagul.
The operatives said they tried to flag down a motorcycle that fitted the description of the getaway motorcycle they are pursuing. Even the two on board the motorcycle had the same description as well.
Instead of stopping, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot the cops, prompting the policemen to return fire while chasing the suspects.
Upon reaching Bgy. Sta. Maria Bridge, the back rider who sustained a bullet wound, accidentally fell from the motorcycle, said Mabalacat chief of police Lieutenant Colonel Heryl L. Bruno.
The suspect whose name the police withheld, died on the spot while the driver sped away, leaving him.
The cops recovered a loaded .38 pistol, seven fired cartridge cases and a sling bag.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect was involved in a series of minimart robberies in the city and nearby towns.
A check on the background of the suspect revealed that he was also previously arrested for violation of RA 9165.