QC cops kill robber in market shootout

A robbery suspect was killed while his cohort was arrested by intelligence operatives of the Central Police District following an encounter and a brief chase at a public market in Quezon City yesterday.

Police have yet to identify the fatality. He was described as between 30 and 35 years old, with fair complexion and around 5’6" in height. He was declared dead on arrival at the East Avenue Medical Center.

The arrested suspect, on the other hand, was identified as Ricky Rosario, 22, of Payatas-A, Quezon City. He is now detained at a CPD-District Police Intelligence Unit cell.

Chief Inspector Rodolfo Jaraza, head of the CPD-DIU, told The Star that the two suspects had been the subject of an operation following reports on their alleged involvement in robberies at the Commonwealth Market.

Around 11:15 a.m. yesterday, DPIU operatives spotted the suspects armed with handguns.

Jaraza said police saw the suspects actually robbing one Dexter Rementilla, 24, a driver; and Susie Catalan, 25, a collector, both of Jordan Park Homes Fairview. The two had just came from the market and were aboard a white Kia Pride when the suspects approached them and held them up.

The lawmen quickly approached the car, introduced themselves as officers, and asked the two suspects to lay down their arms and surrender.

One of the suspects opened fire at the policemen, who retaliated and hit the gunman in the head and body.

The other suspect managed to run and tried to escape toward the market. He was apprehended after a brief chase.

Jaraza said they recovered a caliber .38 revolver and a nine-inch fan knife from the suspects.