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Seven airmen arrested for alleged robbery attempt
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CCTV footage shows Indonesian Air Force personnel committing acts of violence during a clash with Sari Rejo residents in Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday. (JP/Apriadi Gunawan)
T
he Air Force military police in Medan, North Sumatra, have arrested seven airmen for their roles in an alleged robbery attempt of a couple carrying Rp 70 million (US$5,168) in their car.
The alleged robbery took place on Tuesday evening when the victims, identified as Vina, and her husband, Andi, were on their way home to the Somerset Regency housing complex in Medan.
A car believed to be carrying the seven airmen pulled up alongside the couple and tried to make them stop their car. Andi then sped up, and the airmen pursued them until they entered the housing complex.
The couple then stopped and tried to get out of their car, but some of the airmen pushed them back in, with one reportedly grabbing at Vina’s purse.
Vina resisted the attempt and screamed for help. One of the airmen reportedly slapped her in response, but by then the incident had attracted the attention of local residents.
The residents tried to stop the robbery and managed to restrain four of the airmen. Two other soldiers were later arrested by the Air Force military police, while the seventh remains at large.
“I am still in shock,” Vina said.
Air Force spokesman First. Lt. Mulianto said the airmen had joined the force a year ago.
He claimed that the incident was just a misunderstanding. “It was not a robbery. The sides of their cars bumped each other. That’s what triggered the car chase. But we will still investigate the case,” he said. (ahw)
