Suspected drug addict injures cop with kerambit in Kanowit

SIBU (Sept 18): A suspected drug addict attacked and seriously injured a police sergeant with a kerambit in an incident in Kanowit.

Kanowit police chief DSP Dennis Bunyam said the incident occurred at about 3.20pm on Sunday at the Sungai Kanowit boat jetty when the police were about to arrest the suspect.

“When the arrest was being made, the 35-year-old suspect suddenly acted aggressively and attacked the sergeant using a kerambit,” he said in a statement.

He said the sergeant suffered serious injuries on his left arm and stomach and was transferred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment.

Dennis said the suspect was later tracked down trying to escape by boarding a chartered boat.

“Police warned the suspect to put down his weapon and surrender. However, when the suspect act aggressively and attacked the police by waving a machete, the police fired a shot that hit the suspect’s right leg,” he said.

The kerambit and machete used by the suspect were confiscated as case items.

The suspect was first brought to Kanowit Hospital before being referred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment.

His condition is reported to be stable.

Dennis said a urine test on the suspect was positive for drugs and a check found he has a previous drug-related conviction.

“The suspect has been remanded for seven days until Sept 23 to assist the investigation and the case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder,” he added.