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Suspected pickpockets assault 'ojek' drivers
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The two app-based 'ojek' drivers sustained injuries. (Courtesy of/www.escapehere.com)
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group of suspected pickpockets assaulted app-based ojek (motorcycle taxi) drivers Rahmat Hidayat and Yunias Dionisius at Pulogadung bus terminal, East Jakarta, as the drivers tried to stop their attempted theft.
The violence began soon after Yunias reportedly caught Manurung, one of the alleged pickpockets, in the act on Wednesday.
Manurung was seen trying to dig into a pedestrian's bag, Pulogadung Police chief Comr. Sukadi said.
"These ojek drivers claimed to have seen the suspect [pickpocketing someone] and attempted to apprehend him. The suspect hit one of the drivers [Yunias] with a helmet," Sukadi told kompas.com on Thursday.
It was later revealed that the suspect was accompanied by a group of alleged pickpockets in the area. One of them, identified as Harapan Sitinjak, immediately rushed to assist the suspect and hit Yunias in the face.
The group of suspected pickpockets were reportedly heard calling for backup to attack the victims. The two app-based ojek drivers sustained injuries.
They also took the victim's phone and wallet containing Rp 200,000 (US$14.30) in cash, Sukadi said.
The incident caught the attention of passersby.
"The suspects fled the scene as soon as people started approaching," Sukadi said. "But one was arrested before he could be beaten up."
The suspect in custody was Sitinjak, while the others were still on the run.
"We're investigating whether or not they are part of a larger criminal group," Sukadi said. (rfa)
