Suspected kidnappers held after 'shootout'

RAWALPINDI:

One suspect was injured and two were arrested while another managed to escape during an alleged police encounter in the City Police Station area on Wednesday. The suspects were reportedly wanted in a kidnapping case.

According to police, a patrol team attempted to stop three men riding a motorcycle after they were found acting suspiciously. The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, prompting cross-fire during which one suspect was injured. Two suspects were arrested, while their third accomplice fled the scene.

The injured suspect was identified as Noman Mahmood and the second as Wahab Ali. Police officials said that the arrested suspects were wanted in a case involving the abduction of a citizen from the City area a few days earlier, and were also previously involved in narcotics cases.

The injured suspect was shifted to a hospital for treatment, while the motorcycle used by the suspects was seized. Senior police officers visited the scene following the incident, and raids are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspect.