Suspected carjacker killed in shootout

An alleged car lifter was killed during a crossfire with police in New Town police limits on late Wednesday. Police also recovered a vehicle stolen from Lahore.

According to a police spokesperson, the incident occurred during a snap checking operation. Some on duty policemen signaled a suspicious vehicle to stop, but the three suspects inside opened fire. In retaliatory fire by the police, one of the suspects was killed, while the other two escaped on foot.

The vehicle used by the suspects was later confirmed to have been stolen from Lahore, and weapons were also recovered from the crime scene.

Initial investigations revealed that the deceased suspect was the ringleader of an inter-district car-lifting gang.

He was previously convicted in multiple cases of car and motorcycle theft, street crimes, and other criminal offenses. Members of the gang are also wanted in various cases registered in Lahore, Chakwal, and Sheikhupura.

Senior police officers arrived at the crime scene following the incident. A search operation was underway in the area to locate the fleeing suspects.

The Rawalpindi city police chief praised the police team for their bravery in the face of gunfire and for recovering the stolen vehicle and weapons, saying those who attack law enforcement or endanger citizens will not escape the grip of the law.