Car thief suspect eludes arrest, shoots cop in Pampanga chase
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A member of a notorious crime group eluded arrest on Thursday after exchanging shots with authorities and engaging the police in a car chase in Mabalacat City, Pampanga.
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 3 Chief Col. Norberto Delmas identified the suspect as Eliseo Magtoto Jr. alias June, who traded shots with cops injuring a member of the CIDG Pampanga identified as Pat. Jericson Carbonell.
Police flagged down Magtoto, who was driving a “hot” black Toyota Fortuner with plate No. RMC349. However, the suspect fired shots at them before speeding off prompting the cops to chase him.
The suspect’s vehicle was later found turned upside down near the Xevera Subdivision in Bgy. Tabun, Mabalacat City.
Residents in the area told police a slim man holding a gun, at least 5’11” tall, with long hair and covered with tattoos, wearing maong pants and red shirt emerged from the upturned vehicle, crossed the creek and climbed up to the Mabalacat national highway and boarded a jeepney going to Angeles City.
In a follow up operation, police identified Magtoto’s cohort who was driving a Honda sedan with plate No. NEF6785 bound for Angeles City.
The CIDG said the black Fortuner being driven by the suspect was reportedly stolen last September 24 while parked in front of the house of its owner Hilario Casto, on Harvard Street, Marisol Village.
Prior to the incident, a black Fortuner with plate No. TIL494 was reportedly carnapped in Guiguinto, Bulacan. On this same day, victim Christian Mendoza told police a man robbed him of P2.5 million worth of cash and jewelry at the Apalit Public Market.
Police found out the suspect in the three crime incidents fit the description of Magtoto, who was positively identified by the victim upon presentation of the photographs to him.
Police are now tracking down Magtoto and his cohort.
