Police official hurt in shootout with carjackers

LAGUNA, Philippines – A police official was wounded while an alleged leader of a carjacking syndicate was killed in a shootout in Biñan City here yesterday.

Inspector Ricardo Legaspi, chief of the city police intelligence division, suffered a gunshot wound in the left shoulder and was rushed to the Perpetual Help Hospital for treatment, said Superintendent Noel Aliño, city police chief.

Aliño said they have yet to identify the slain suspect, whose group was said to be behind a series of motorcycle robberies in the province.

The encounter stemmed from a complaint filed by Edward delas Alas and his schoolmate, who said four unidentified men took their motorcycle at gunpoint Friday night.

Responding police officers led by Legaspi spotted the suspects on Delas Alas’ motorcycle along Francis street at around 1:10 a.m.

One of the four carjackers shot at the police officers, triggering a firefight.