Police Kill 1 Suspected Robber in Shootout

A Sunday afternoon shootout between Phnom Penh police and a group of alleged robbers has left one suspect dead and an officer wounded, authorities said.

Police shot and killed Larch Mab, 32, a former military policeman from Siem Reap province, during an exchange of gunfire around 3 pm on street 51 in Daun Penh district, Minor Crime Municipal Police Officer Sim Saktha said.

Wounded in the shootout was officer Mai Chakriya, shot in the right hand, Sim Saktha said. Mai Chakriya’s wound was not considered life-threatening, Sim Saktha added.

Police believe Larch Mab was the ringleader of a gang of robbers that had been victimizing gold merchants in both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap town, Sim Saktha said. The group last week robbed gold vendors in Doeum Kor market, the officer said.

Authorities were following the three Sunday as the alleged robbers drove around in a Toyota Camry. Police pulled the car over, and the officers approached the car, guns drawn.

Larch Mab opened fire, wounding Mai Chakriya, Sim Saktha said. Police returned fire, killing Larch Mab. After seizing the car and two handguns at the scene, authorities also arrested two other men, whom they did not identify. They are hoping to find other members of the robbery ring, Sim Saktha said.

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