Thief tries to mislead cops with songs

CEBU, Philippines - An already handcuffed carnapping suspect tried to distract police and reporters by singing unfamiliar songs and peeing on his pants while attempting to get a knife under a desk  at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Thursday afternoon.

Antero Sagarino, 44, failed with his antics, though.

Reporters observed Sagarino squatted on the floor in LLCPO's Theft and Robbery Section with hands cuffed at this back when he began mumbling strange songs in what seemed to be an attempt to mislead people while he worked his way into getting the knife.

It was not clear what Sagarino would like to do with the bladed weapon but after being caught with his tricks, the suspect, whom police believed was high on drugs, received kicks from police officers.

After the kicks, he sang once again.

According to Senior Inspector Zenaido Pastorfide, Sagarino is a resident of Sitio Sambag, Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City reportedly caught in the act stealing a black Suzuki motorcycle in the house of a former motor dealership employee in Sitio Bagumbayan 2, Barangay Maribago Wednesday morning.

Narciso Linao, 52, owner of the motorcycle filed a complaint at the LLCPO, claiming that he caught the suspect red-handed around 9 a.m. that day.

"Nasakpan nako nga giguyod ang akong motor padung gawas (I caught him dragging my motorcycle towards the gate)," Linao said.

He then shouted "Hoy, carnapper!" and the suspect allegedly fled away from the scene but was chased and eventually caught by the neighbors. 

Sagarino was then nabbed by the tourist police after the neighbors responded.

In an interview with reporters, Sagarino admitted he was stealing the motorbike, adding that he started stealing motorcycles at the age of 18 and then have them swapped in surplus motor shops.

He claimed that he would steal at least two motorcycles a week.

The suspect also said he would bring the motorcycles over to Barangay Duljo and Barangay Mabolo in exchange for illegal drugs. After the incident, he is facing carnapping charges. (FREEMAN)