A planned armed robbery outside of Westpac bank around 12 midday today was foiled by NCD Police.
Police had received information of suspicious looking individuals in a white sedan frequenting the Westpac Waigani branch.
Police report that an NCD Zone 3 Response Unit went to check the area when they noticed a suspect who was outside the vehicle.
“When he saw Police approaching he attempted to run away when a member of the Zones Response Unit chased him down and apprehended him while the other members in the Police vehicle gave chase to the white sedan, which sped off,” said acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for NCD/Central, Anthony Wagambie Jnr.
“Other Police units responded quickly by blocking off escape routes.
“Shots were fired at the Zones Response Unit and a Dog Unit by the armed criminals.”
The vehicle was abandoned by the gang at June Valley and Police chased them on foot but the suspects managed to get away.
“I commend members of the public for contacting Police and sharing information when seeing that there were suspicious people in the area,” said Wagambie Jnr.
“I also commend the Police units for their efforts in foiling the robbery and also for perseverance when being fired upon by the criminals.
“I am warning those that plan to take part in crimes with violence that we are strategizing and soon the metropolitan superintendent and his Zone Commanders will clamp down on this.”
Meantime, the suspect who was apprehended at Westpac Waigani had in his bag a pistol and ammunition.
“The suspect apprehended with the firearm has been positively identified via CCTV from another company which was about to do banking. He was pictured with the same waist bag,” added the acting NCD-Central commander.