1 hurt, 2 arrested in QC shootout

A suspected robber was wounded and eventually arrested by authorities, following a brief shootout with elements of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Saturday night along Commonwealth Avenue.

Richard Bato, 38, of Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City is recuperating at the East Avenue Medical Center due to a gunshot wound. He would be sent to jail after discharge from the hospital.

QCPD Director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan Jr. said Bato and a companion were chased by the police when they violated traffic rules along Commonwealth Avenue.

Bato and his companion were riding a motorcycle in tandem, prompting police to suspect the two as robbers. Records at the QCPD revealed that men riding in tandem on a motorcycle were usually involved in robbery incidents.

When the police were near the suspects, one of the two men reportedly opened fire, resulting in a brief exchange of gunfire.

During the shootout, Bato was hit and the motorcycle was forced to stop. The police apprehended Bato but his companion managed to escape.

Police brought Bato the hospital for treatment while they impounded the motorcycle, with license plate NX-1655. Police also seized a caliber .38 handgun from Bato.