North Sumatra Police officer, identified as Chief Brig. Jakamal Tarigan, 40, was killed after he attempted to disperse a brawl involving two groups, reportedly from different ethnic groups in Medan on Friday.
“He passed away at the Sinar Husni Hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds to his head, chest, stomach and leg,” North Sumatra Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Rina Ginting said on Saturday.
The attack occurred on Friday night when a group of residents from the Gang Damar area, armed with sharp weapons, ran amok and attacked a number of people on Jl. Serbaguna.
The reason for the brawl is unclear but witnesses said it was triggered by a fight at a tuak (traditional alcoholic beverage) shop at Gang Damar. Jakamal arrived at the scene and tried to persuade them to stop the fight.
(Read also: Soccer fan brawl in Tangerang, one death)
His appeal was ignored and the policeman fired several gunshots into the air. The mob then turned on Jakamal and when they eventually fled the scene the policeman was left lying with multiple stab wounds. Jakamal’s wife and some locals rushed him to the hospital but he was later pronounced dead.
Rina said the police had identified four of the attackers, however as of Saturday, only one had been arrested. (bbs)
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