A tragic scene unfolded in Kertasari village in Bekasi early yesterday morning after the police put an end to an ATM robbery attempt.
The two culprits were identified as Valino Vernando Sianipar, who is said to be a police officer for the Jakarta Metro Police, and 16-year-old high school student M.
A security guard quietly alerted the local police after noticing the robbery attempt. The police arrived to find one of the culprits trying to break open an ATM using welding equipment while the other was standing by in a car.
The officers fired two warning shots before the culprits tried to get away using their car. One of them appeared to be holding a firearm and took shots at the police, who fired back and hit the side of the car during the ensuing chase.
The robbers’ car eventually swerved and crashed head-on into a tree and a shop. Valino survived the crash but was heavily injured, while M died at the scene from cranial injuries. They were both taken to Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta.
The police found an airsoft gun, welding equipment, a kitchen knife, and a machete in the suspects’ car and took the items in as evidence.
The Bekasi Police did not confirm Valino’s status as a police officer.
“What’s clear is that there was an incident at a BRI ATM, other details are still being looked into,” said Bekasi Police Chief M. Awal Chairudin, as quoted by Warta Kota.
However, Valino’s neighbors told the media that he has been a police officer for three years and was about to be promoted to first brigadier.
“We’re at a loss as to why [Valino turned to robbery]. He’s financially capable, and his mom works at a bank,” said Darman, who claims to be close to Valino, as quoted by Merdeka.
It’s not clear what charges Valino would face for the attempted robbery and eventual fatal car chase.
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