Local Suspect in Drug-Related Case Injures Officer and Tries to Escape
KANOWIT: A man wanted in connection with a drug-related case was shot by police after injuring an officer with a karambit (a small curved knife) in Kanowit, Sarawak, on Sunday, September 15. The suspect, 35, resisted arrest and lashed out at the police, escalating the situation that led to his eventual capture.
Incident at Sungai Kanowit Jetty
The altercation began around 3:20 pm when a police team tracked down the suspect at a jetty along Sungai Kanowit. According to Kanowit Police Chief DSP Dennis Bunyam, the suspect refused to comply with the police’s instructions and instead attacked one of the officers with a karambit.
“The policeman sustained serious injuries to his left arm and stomach during the attack,” Dennis explained. The injured officer was rushed to Kanowit Hospital before being referred to Sibu Hospital for more advanced treatment. He is currently in stable condition, receiving care for his wounds.
Police Launch Manhunt
Following the initial attack, a second police team, led by DSP Dennis Bunyam himself, launched an immediate manhunt. By 5:00 pm, authorities located the suspect attempting to flee the scene by boat, heading toward the middle of Batang Rajang.
When police approached the boat, they observed the suspect standing on its roof, brandishing both a machete and a karambit. Despite multiple warnings from the police to lay down his weapons and surrender peacefully, the suspect escalated the situation once again by aggressively charging at the officers while swinging the machete.
Police Open Fire in Self-Defence
Faced with a direct threat to their safety, the officers had no choice but to fire at the suspect in self-defence. “For safety reasons, we opened fire, striking the suspect in the right thigh,” DSP Dennis reported.
Following the shooting, the suspect was apprehended and taken to Kanowit Hospital for immediate treatment before being referred to Sibu Hospital, where he is currently under medical care and police custody.
Drugs and Weapons Seized
Upon his capture, the suspect was subjected to a drug test, which returned positive. Police also seized the weapons in his possession, including the karambit and machete he had used in his violent resistance against the officers.
Background checks revealed that the suspect had prior criminal records related to drug offenses, which compounded the gravity of his situation.
Ongoing Investigations and Charges
The suspect is currently remanded in police custody until September 23 as investigations continue. The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder due to the violent attack on the police officer.
The swift response by the police has been praised, ensuring the suspect’s capture while minimizing harm to the public. “Our officers acted with the utmost professionalism under the circumstances, putting public safety first,” DSP Dennis affirmed.
The Rising Issue of Drug-Related Crimes in Sarawak
This incident underscores the increasing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with individuals involved in drug-related crimes in Sarawak. With drug abuse continuing to plague certain communities, the risks to both civilians and law enforcement remain high.
The involvement of weapons such as a karambit and machete in this case highlights the dangerous nature of these encounters and the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant and well-prepared.
Police Urge Public Cooperation in Kanowit
DSP Dennis Bunyam has also urged the public in Kanowit and across Sarawak to cooperate with the police in their efforts to combat drug-related crime. Community involvement plays a key role in reducing the spread of drugs and ensuring that violent incidents like this one are kept to a minimum.
Sarawak authorities continue to crack down on both drug traffickers and users in an attempt to curb the growing issue.
“We encourage anyone with information about drug activities to come forward and report to the police. Together, we can make Sarawak a safer place,” DSP Dennis emphasized.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement when confronting armed suspects, particularly in drug-related cases. Fortunately, the police were able to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of the public. As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the suspect to justice under the full extent of the law.