A manhunt has been launched for one of the suspects who were shot dead after being caught breaking into a shop in Laare, Meru County, said the police.
Residents had made a distress call to police about three suspects who had been caught breaking into a shop. Two suspects were killed instantly after the police fired two rounds of ammunition.
According to the OCS Laare police station, officers are urging any witnesses who may have seen a suspect with a gunshot wound to come forward. He specifically asked medical professionals working in hospitals and chemists in Laare Town to notify the police.
“Around 2:00 a.m., we received a call from a resident reporting a robbery at a shop. The call was similar to others we had received in the past because the area is prone to theft cases,” said OCS Laare Ezra Sambo.
“I was awakened around 3:30 a.m. by noises coming from the roof of my house as the suspects attempted to break in. When I asked who they were, they said they were cops. They went for the door when they couldn’t force their way in through the roof by cutting the iron sheets. I asked if they were wearing police uniforms, but they did not respond. Armed with a machete, I took a position and waited for one of the suspect’s hands to appear on the inside. I screamed for help when they attempted to break down the door, and neighbors responded,” said the victim.
According to the victim of attempted robbery, the police arrived on time and shot at two of the suspects while another managed to escape.
“I recognized the suspects, one of whom was accompanied by two men. She was short and dressed in a Marvin. I also saw one of the suspects with a machete and door-breaking tools,” said the victim.
“I implore community members to pay random visits to police stations and greet officers. We are proud of them and confident in their work. I fear for my life as two of the suspects who were killed are members of a gang that has been terrorizing residents and is now among us,” said the victim.
The victim said that the houses located near the scene, despite the owner’s investment of millions in commercial properties, have remained unoccupied for a long time due to security concerns.
“I’m surprised because the shop that the suspects were caught breaking into is small and doesn’t have much stock. You even wonder why anyone would want to put his life in danger for nothing. I thank the police for their prompt response and urge them to ensure that all thieves are eradicated in Laare,” said another eyewitness.
According to police records at the Laare police station, one of the suspects who was shot dead was implicated in a number of theft cases reported by victims.
