Waylon Johnston
Alert off-duty policeman arrests weekend hold-ups suspect
A worried looking Libyan man was yesterday charged with a string of hold-ups in Swieqi and in St Paul's Bay that left victims shocked and angry after they were held at gunpoint.
Some seven victims in separate incidents reported similar incidents. A 4X4 pulled up next to them and a passenger emerged pointing a gun at them and demanding they hand over whatever they had in their possession.
According to police sources, the suspect was given away by the vehicle, a silver Toyota landcruiser, which was spotted in Mosta on Monday by a plainclothes policeman on his off day. The officer followed the vehicle, which allegedly turned out to be stolen, and eventually arrested the driver, 38-year-old Libyan national Ismael Habesh.
The haul was found the same day by an Englishman who stumbled upon a suspicious-looking package in Buġibba. He untied the bundle to find mobile phones, other items and balaclavas. He took them to the police station and they realised that most of the items belonged to the victims of a series of hold-ups reported over the weekend.
Mr Habesh was charged with stealing the vehicle, violently resisting the police and carrying a firearm without a licence.
Magistrate Antonio Micallef Trigona took into consideration Mr Habesh's criminal record and the 23 charges he faces and remanded him in custody.
The police are still investigating another two men in connection with the crime.
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lgalea
Feb 5th 2009, 21:36
Miaranne Portelli Do you have a soft spot fer him?
P. Debattista
Feb 5th 2009, 19:50
James Green: the "boys in blue" are actually men and women and they do not put on "splendid shows". And while we're at it, how about using some 21st century English? Or are we trapped in a 19th century timewarp "old chap"?
Joe Cordina
Feb 5th 2009, 16:00
A very big well done to the officer concerned. This shows again and again that the Malta Police Corps boasts of very diligent very professional and eager men and women. WELL DONE
Miaranne Portelli
Feb 5th 2009, 13:27
OK, lets no be Judge and Jury just because, seemingly an arrested man and a load of stolen stuff is recovered. Not guilty until proven, remember.
Meantime, however, recognition for the initiative by the off duty Policeman must still be commended and warmly received as all good citizen and policeman must be encouraged.
James Green
Feb 5th 2009, 11:15
Splendid show by the boys in blue.
Now, if found guilty let's set an example.
And hopefully all those that commented negatively and needlessly about legitimate gun ownership will now be satisfied that the storm in a teacup they raised was not worth the bits & bytes they wasted.
a cardona
Feb 5th 2009, 10:42
And let's hope the court does away with suspended sentences.
d. borg
Feb 5th 2009, 08:57
This policeman should be commended for his sense of duty, even though it was his day off . Well done!