Snatcher shot dead by guard

A cell phone snatcher was shot dead by a University of Santo Tomas (UST) security guard following a chase along Rosarito street in Sampaloc, Manila the other day.

Police said Michael Maala, a native of La Union and resident of 105 Briones street, 7th Avenue, Caloocan shot and killed the unidentified thief, who was described as about 30-35 years old, 5’10 in height, with tattoo marks on his chest. The thief was being chased by security guards for allegedly snatching the mobile phone of a student at around 2 p.m. the other day inside the UST campus.

Investigation revealed that the guards ran after the suspect, who was cornered near on Rosarito street.

Police said the snatcher resisted arrest, prompting Maala to shoot him. The snatcher was rushed to the UST Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

Maala, who surrendered to Station 4 of the Western Police District (WPD), told investigators that he did not intend to kill the suspect. – Edu Punay