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Two suspects arrested, 2 injured in shootout between STF and gang
View(s):Two persons were shot and two others arrested after a gun battle between the Police Special Task Force (STF) and members of a suspected criminal gang at Kurana Junction in Negombo last evening.
Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara said that the STF had been tipped off that members of a criminal gang were planning a major crime and had followed the two vans carrying the alleged gang.
At about 5.15 p.m., STF personnel had attempted to stop and inspect the vehicles, at which point the occupants had allegedly opened fire, prompting the STF to return fire. Two of the suspects who suffered gunshot injuries were admitted to the Ragama Teaching Hospital. The condition of one was said to be serious. Two others were arrested and handed over by the STF to the Negombo Police, SP Gunasekara stated.
Two T56 firearms, a pistol and hand grenades have been recovered from the scene while the vehicles allegedly used by the suspects have also been taken into custody. It is suspected that the gang had been on their way to carry out an armed robbery.
The STF vehicle that followed the suspects' vans. Pix by Prasad Muthukuda
The weapons that were recovered at the scene
One of the vehicles used by the suspects