Investigations have revealed that the suspect arrested in connection with the shooting incident involving police officers in Katunayake had previously served in the Katunayake City Security Unit of the Civil Security Force from 2008 to 2010. The 41-year-old resident of Divulapit…
Investigations have revealed that the suspect arrested in connection with the shooting incident involving police officers in Katunayake had previously served in the Katunayake City Security Unit of the Civil Security Force from 2008 to 2010. The 41-year-old resident of Divulapitiya was arrested by the Negombo Division Crime Investigation Unit in the Divulapitiya area, where police recovered 31 grams of narcotics from his possession. Police said they had also recovered the firearm allegedly snatched from a police officer during the incident and the motorcycle commandeered by the suspect while fleeing after the confrontation with police officers on Wednesday (15). The incident occurred when traffic police officers signalled a motorcycle to stop on suspicion in Katunayake. The rider allegedly ignored the order, leading to a pursuit. The rider and the pillion rider later abandoned the motorcycle at Dewamottawa and attempted to flee. Police arrested one of the suspects, but he allegedly assaulted an officer while in custody, seized the officer’s firearm and opened fire at another police officer arriving from a nearby roadblock, injuring him. The suspect then allegedly threatened others with the weapon before escaping. Following the incident, special police teams were deployed, resulting in the suspect’s arrest. The injured police officer was admitted to the Negombo Hospital, while the officer who was assaulted during the struggle was admitted to the Minuwangoda Hospital. Police said investigations were continuing to arrest the second suspect involved in the incident. by Norman Palihawadane