SUBANG JAYA: Police shot dead five suspected criminals believed to be involved in more than 50 armed robbery cases around the Klang Valley in the past two years.
The suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were spotted behaving suspiciously by a police team conducting crime prevention patrols on Persiaran Harmoni, Putra Heights, here at 11.30pm last night. They were travelling in a Perodua Axia car.
When instructed to stop for inspection purposes, the suspects, who were also locals, sped off while firing several shots at the police. The police team, comprising officers and members of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID), along with CID officers from the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur contingents, attempted to surround the car before the suspects rammed the rear of the police vehicle.
Simultaneously, the suspects continued to fire shots, prompting the police to return fire in self-defence.
Upon inspection, the suspects were found dead at the scene, and the police also discovered and seized two firearms used by the suspects along with other weapons. Sources revealed that all suspects had outstanding warrants issued by the police for armed robbery incidents and past criminal records.
"The suspects were reportedly actively involved in robbing cash from delivery company vans, factories, and homes storing cash and jewellery in areas around Shah Alam, Puchong, Klang, Subang Jaya, Kajang, and Sentul.
"The suspects were also found to have injured victims who attempted to resist them," the source said.
Police believe that at the time of their arrest, all suspects had plans to commit armed robbery.
A press conference will be held later today.