A wanted criminal suspect managed to evade arrest and escape from police custody after attacking a police officer with a sharp weapon during a raid in the Kahaduwa area of Elpitiya.
According to police sources, a team of officers from the Elpitiya Police Station had traveled to Kahaduwa to conduct a targeted raid. Upon arrival, a group of suspects attempted to assault the raiding party, prompting the police officers to fire warning shots into the air to bring the situation under control. Following the warning shots, two of the suspects fled the scene, with two police officers immediately giving chase.
The confrontation escalated when the pursuing officers caught up and attempted to apprehend the fleeing individuals. One of the suspects drew a sharp weapon and violently attacked a police officer. In self-defense, the police opened fire, wounding the suspect in the arm.
Although the injured suspect was successfully restrained and placed in handcuffs, a hostile group of individuals suddenly arrived at the scene shortly after. The mob overpowered the officers, forcibly took the handcuffed suspect, and fled the area.
Police later revealed that the escaped individual is a notorious suspect wanted for multiple criminal activities, including aiding and abetting a high-profile homicide.
While a massive police operation is currently underway to track down and rearrest the fugitive, the injured police officer has been admitted to the Elpitiya Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment for his wounds.
