Police shoot dead two robbery suspects near Mersing

MERSING: Two robbery suspects were shot dead by police near Felcra Panti at 2.30am today.
Johor deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Zakaria Ahmad said in the incident, a police team from the serious crimes division (D9) were on patrol rounds in the area when they noticed the two suspects on a motorcycle.
He said the suspects were not wearing helmets and the motorcycle which had no number plate was heading towards Mersing.
Mohd Zakaria said the police team pursued the suspects who were attempting to flee when the rider lost control of the motorcycle.
He said at this point, police heard sounds of "sparks" coming from the pillion rider, but were not able to see what was happening in the dark.
Mohd Zakaria said fearing that the suspect was armed, police had no choice but to fire back for their own safety.
He said at this point, the suspect who was initially riding the motorcycle ran into the bushes wielding a 12-inch machete and was subsequently gunned down in a chase.
Police seized one homemade pistol, four mobile phones and other personnel belongings from the shooting scene.
He said based on initial investigations, the motorcycle used by the suspects had been stolen during a robbery in Mersing last year.