Two men involved in the armed robbery of Pelgens Supermarket which ended up in a shoot-out with Police last Monday are dead.
Metropolitan Superintendent Anthony Wagambie Jr while assuring public that police will not use firearms but will not hesitate to shoot if fired upon, said the two suspects are confirmed dead.
Wagambie Jr said the two involved in the armed robbery and shootout were part of the gang that opened fired on Police at West Taraka as they were making their getaway while Police were in pursuit.
The Superintendent said the police vehicle sustained damage from the bullets fired at them and it was then that Police engaged the suspects by returning fire.
Wagambie Jr confirmed that the suspect, of mixed Morobe and Milne Bay was founded dead and believed to have died from bullet wounds sustained.
The body was taken to Lae Hospital and left there. CID have been able to identify the deceased suspects identity.
Wagambie Jr said Police are still investigating but indicated the robberies most likely were planned and executed by other people who were not physically there or physically took part.
“I now put the blame of the deaths squarely on those who planned and supported the robberies which took place. Anyone who tries to shoot at Police will be engaged,” he said.
He added that Lae Police continue to exercise restraint in the use of firearm but will not hesitate when being fired upon.
“I am warning criminals that Police will deal decisively with them. Armed criminals will be taken down if there are immediate threats posed to the Police personnel or general public,” the Met Supt said.
Wagambie said at the time the shoot-out occurred, the criminals opened fire indiscriminately, we are thankful that no one from the general public was shot.
He said Police who were engaged in the shootout reacted professionally by engaging only when it was safe to do so to avoid hitting innocent bystanders with stray bullets.
“As I have stated earlier, those who were involved in the robbery and shootout, as well as supporters of the robbers are responsible for the death. Police will not stop until we find those that were involved,” Wagambie Jr added.