Theft suspect shot dead in Ecija clash with police
SAN JOSE CITY — An Oplan Sita operation turned bloody when a suspected thief driving a tricycle evaded authorities and traded shots with them, resulting in his death during an armed encounter here on Friday night.
City police head Lt. Col. Criselda Y. De Guzman identified the slain suspect as Jomar Sabado, of Bgy. San Isidro, Lupao, Nueva Ecija.
Sabado was tagged as a suspect in a theft incident that occurred at the Bgy. Abar 2nd Elementary School on Sept. 17.
Investigation showed De Guzman’s men were conducting anti-criminality checkpoint operations in Bgy. Palestina at 9:55 p.m., when the suspect, who was aboard a Kawasaki Bajaj tricycle, drove past their post despite being flagged down for verification.
The operating troops gave chase but the suspect allegedly opened fire, triggering a gunfight which resulted in his death.
Found inside the suspect’s vehicle were his sling bag, an HP laptop, and shoulder bag.
De Guzman said probers also recovered at the crime scene the suspect’s cal.38 revolver and four spent shells for a cal. 9mm pistol.
