PAPAR: Crime prevention can be increased even further if there were strong collaboration between authorities and the public, said District Police Chief DSP Batholomew Ak Umpit.
Commenting on a recent incident that went viral, Batholomew said swift action from a bystander helped ensure that an individual believed involved in a crime does not escape justice.
He said the bystander, who was a food deliveryman, acted bravely in stopping a suspect in his 40s, believed armed with a pistol from evading arrest.
“Such action should be commended as not everyone has the bravery in taking necessary action towards criminal activities,” he told Daily Express.
He said this after handing an Appreciation Award to the 37-year-old man who went viral on social media after stopping an armed robber.
It was believed that the unsung hero chased the suspect who had just robbed a woman at a bank, here.
An eight-second video went viral of the deliveryman trying to hold down another man, who was the armed robber, from escaping.
Due to such action, Batholomew said the suspect was detained successfully and picked up by police.
He said further investigation by police revealed that the suspect had eight criminal records including drug-related ones.
“The suspect was then remanded until March 2 and it will be extended for seven more days,” he added. He also urged the community, particularly in Papar, to continue playing their role in channelling information to authorities.
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