1 dead in QC shootout with cops

Written by Writer on Friday, November 21st, 2008

1 dead in QC shootout with cops

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged member of the “Donut Gang,” which authorities say specializes in robbing the spare tires of vehicles in Quezon City, was shot dead by policemen in an encounter Thursday night, a police official said.

Superintendent Franklin Mabanag, chief of the Quezon City police department (QCPD) Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU), said Roberto Lee, 44, was with two still unidentified companions who were caught by a parking attendant stealing the spare tire of a white Toyoto Fortuner on Kamias Road.

When the attendant shouted at them, the suspects fled in a Toyota Revo towards EDSA.

The owner of the Fortuner filed a complaint with the QCPD, which immediately set up checkpoints in the area.

Around 9 p.m., patrolling elements of the QCPD Anti-Carnapping Unit (QCPD-Ancar) led by Inspector Angelo Nicolas spotted the suspects’ vehicle near a Petron gasoline station at the corner of Kalayaan Avenue, triggering a brief chase.

On reaching K-I Street in Barangay (village) Kamias, two of the suspects reportedly fired at the policemen, triggering a brief shootout. Lee was later found with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body, Mabanag said.

Lee’s companions were able to escape, while their vehicle was found abandoned along Salgado Street.

Recovered from the vehicle were MK-2 fragmentation grenades, seven tires of different sizes, a calibre .38 revolver, and empty shells.

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 11:17am (Mla time) 11/21/2008