Katunayake police officer shot; drug suspect escapes

Colombo, July 15 (Daily Mirror) - A police officer was admitted to the Negombo Hospital after being shot during an incident in the Gamamottawa area of Katunayake this afternoon (15), after an arrested drug suspect allegedly snatched the officer's service firearm and escaped.

According to initial investigations, two police officers had acted on a tip-off and pursued a suspected drug trafficker who was travelling on a motorcycle.

The officers intercepted the suspect in the Gamamottawa area, questioned him and placed him under arrest.

Police said that while preparations were being made to take the suspect to the police station, one of the officers went to retrieve the motorcycle the suspect had been riding.

During that time, the suspect allegedly overpowered the remaining officer, snatched his service firearm, opened fire, injuring the officer, and fled the scene on another motorcycle.

The injured officer was admitted to the Negombo Hospital for treatment.

Police have launched an investigation and a search operation to apprehend the escaped suspect.