Robbery suspect killed after allegedly pulling gun on cops in Makati

A suspect allegedly involved in a series of robberies in Makati City was shot and killed after allegedly pulling a gun on police officers who were trying to arrest him.

In a police report, Southern Police District Director Police Brigadier General John Kirby Kraft said the armed encounter occurred along P. Burgos St., near the corner of Kalayaan Avenue in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City, on Friday night.

The suspect, James Aviles, also known as James Pogi, a resident of Oro B. Sta. Ana, Manila, was pronounced dead on arrival at the Ospital ng Makati.

"Aviles was spotted riding a motorcycle with a covered plate number. When the police officers approached him, he immediately fled prompting a pursuit. The chase ended at the aforementioned location, where the suspect was cornered," the police report read.

"As the police officers attempted to apprehend Aviles with the assistance of a concerned citizen, he unexpectedly drew his firearm and fired shots at the officers. In self-defense, the officers returned fire, hitting the suspect in multiple parts of his body," it added.

Four fired cartridge casings believed to be from a 9mm pistol were recovered at the crime scene, and these will undergo a cross-matching examination to determine if they are linked to any previous offenses involving the same firearm.

The investigation was conducted by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) Makati, led by Police Major Gerald Vilar.

It was discovered that the suspect was involved in a murder case filed before the Makati Prosecutor's Office on May 26, 2023, with the case number DC20-INV-23 MAY-0010.

Background checks also revealed that Aviles had several outstanding warrants of arrest.

“Isang malungkot na pangyayari. Sa kabila nito, ang kapulisan ay kinakailangang ipatupad ang nararapat sa sitwasyon upang panatilihing maayos at ligtas ang pamayanan,” said National Capital Region Police Office Director Police Major General Edgar Alan Okubo. — DVM, GMA Integrated News