Fatal end: Police inspecting the scene after the shootout. (Inset) Comm Hamzah
GEORGE TOWN: Two heavily armed men, with guns and boxes of ammunition in the car they were in, were gunned down by the police in a shootout.
Penang police chief Comm Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said police had intercepted the suspects after they were found acting suspiciously in Sungai Dua, Butterworth, at 2.05am yesterday.
“The suspects were ordered to stop for inspection, but they sped off and fired shots at policemen while fleeing.
“Policemen in two vehicles gave chase, and after about 2km, the suspects’ car crashed by the roadside,” Comm Hamzah said.
“While making an approach, the suspects fired several more shots at police, prompting a return fire.
“Both suspects were later found dead,” he told reporters at a press conference here.
Comm Hamzah said the suspects, aged 41 and 51, had 12 and 13 previous drug and criminal records, respectively.
A semi-automatic pistol and a revolver, as well as 176 live bullet rounds were recovered from the suspects.
Comm Hamzah added that police believed the duo were involved in drug trafficking activities.
He said the police would check if they were part of any syndicate.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder and Section 8 of the Weapons Act 1960 for possession of firearms.
