Melaka Man Held in Batam After Alleged Robbery, Car Theft

A 41-year-old Malaysian man from Melaka has been arrested in Batam, Indonesia, after he allegedly robbed a woman with an airsoft pistol, drove off in her car and rammed a police officer, Malay Mail reported on Monday (Nov 9).

The suspect allegedly threatened the 48-year-old woman with the airsoft pistol in the Batam robbery on Friday (Nov 6).

Overstayed After Running Out of Money

Barelang Police Criminal Investigation Division chief Commissioner Tri Poerbowo said preliminary investigations found the man had entered Indonesia on Sept 15 for a holiday.

He overstayed by 10 days after running out of money, and then allegedly “planned a random robbery” to raise money for his journey home to Malaysia, Tri Poerbowo was quoted as saying by Indonesian media.

Batam Robbery and Police Chase

According to the report, the woman had just paid her vehicle road tax and withdrawn cash from an ATM at Harbour Bay when the suspect got into the passenger seat of her car.

He allegedly pointed the weapon at her and ordered her to drive to the Bukit Senyum area, where, at the grounds of a residential development, he forced her to transfer money online to his personal bank account.

When she screamed for help, he allegedly panicked, pushed her out of the vehicle and drove away in her Toyota Rush.

A traffic police officer nearby saw what happened, gave chase and eventually intercepted the car. The suspect allegedly refused to surrender, pointed the airsoft pistol at the officer and then rammed into him, leaving the officer injured.

Valuables worth an estimated 292 million rupiah, or about RM73,000, were involved, according to Sinar Harian as cited by Malay Mail.

Security Guard Also Detained

Police questioning revealed the suspect had bought the airsoft pistol from an apartment security guard for one million rupiah. The guard has been detained to assist investigations.

If convicted under Article 365 of Indonesia’s Criminal Code for theft involving violence, the suspect faces up to nine years in prison, the report said.

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