GEORGE TOWN: Police have gunned down two suspected criminals following a car chase and shootout in Butterworth here.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said the incident unfolded when a team of policemen on patrol suspiciously stumbled upon a Perodua Myvi before ordering it to stop for inspection in Sungai Dua at 2.05am on Tuesday (June 26).
"Instead of stopping, the car sped off and its driver fired several gunshots at the police.
"A chase ensued and after about 2km, the car eventually crashed by the road.
"The suspects then fired more gunshots and policemen had to return fire.
"After the situation calmed down, police approached the suspects and found the driver and passenger were already shot dead," said Comm Hamzah during a press conference at the state contingent police headquarters in Penang Road.
He added that both suspects aged 41 and 51 had 12 and 13 past drug and criminal records.
A semi-automatic pistol and a revolver handgun, as well as 176 live bullets, were recovered at the scene.
Comm Hamzah said police believed the duo from Penang were involved in drug trafficking and further investigations would be conducted to determine if they were part of any syndicate.
