Police capture juvenile robber after gun battle

A juvenile robber injured during a gun battle with the police has been captured.

The 16-year old had reported to the hospital for treatment of his gunshot wounds when the police were tipped off and moved in to arrest him.

His accomplice, identified as Ibrahim Iddrisu, who also got hit by bullets, could, however, not survive.

The boy was on Tuesday put before a Kumasi Circuit Court presided over by Mr William Boampong and remanded to re-appear on June 18, to know of his punishment.

Police Inspector Kwabena Oduro Boateng told the court that the two, armed with locally-manufactured pistols and riding an unregistered motorbike, had gone on a robbery spree, on March 2, at about 2330 hours, forcibly seizing money and other valuables from people on sight.

They first robbed two lovers, Stephen Alenyenleh and Ms Odelia Eshun, of their Toshiba laptop computer and cash of GH¢1,045.00.

The victims had just returned from Takoradi and were waiting in front the Kumasi Central Market to catch a vehicle to Konongo, when the boy and his deceased colleague attacked them.

They continued to rob a police officer of his cellular phone and cash of GH¢150.00, but before they could escape another policeman on guard duty close to the scene, reacted by running to the aid of the victim.

On seeing him, they opened fire, and this was returned, forcing them to flee, leaving behind the motorbike and stolen items.

The boy confessed to the crime and also admitted escaping from the Kumasi Borstal Home, where he was being held for stealing.