Police Officer Accidentally Shot Civilian, Face Criminal Charges

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A Police 1st Brigadier (Briptu) from the West Sumba police force – identified as ER – who had shot his civilian friend in the West Sumba Regency will face criminal charges, the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Police spokesperson grand commissioner Ariasandy announced on Monday, January 9, 2023. 

“Based on our initial investigation, Briptu ER will be subjected to criminal charges," said Ariasandy on Monday, January 9, 2023.

Moreover, Ariasandy said that the joint initial investigation by the NTT police and internal affairs discovered that the perpetrator can be charged with Article 351 paragraph (3) and Article 359 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), which regulates murder and heavy assault. 

“Briptu E will face charges up to 5 years in prison for what he had done,” Ariasandy explained.

Ariasandy explained that the incident happened because of the failure of the police brigadier in following the standard operating procedures for firearms use, which eventually resulted in ER unintentionally firing a bullet at a civilian identified as Ferdinandus Lango Bili.

Both men were casually gathering in a barbeque when the victim allegedly pointed a kitchen knife at Brigadier ER under the influence of alcohol. The victim also allegedly challenged ER to fire his gun. In an attempt to intimidate Ferdinandus, the brigadier pulled his firearm from his holster and pointed it at Ferdinandus' stomach. Unfortunately, the gun accidentally fires and Ferdinandus' stomach was hit.

ER and others attending the barbeque immediately took Ferdinandus to the hospital but he later died in the process. Brigadier ER took himself into the local police sector after the incident. 

ANTARA

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