PNP nabs SUV driver over robbery-slay case

MANILA, Philippines — Police have arrested a 30-year-old sport utility vehicle (SUV) driver who allegedly robbed an online seller of his cellphone before speeding away, leaving the victim to cling onto the vehicle and later fall to his death in Mandaluyong on Nov. 1.

According to the Mandaluyong City Police Station, the suspect, whose identity was withheld, was arrested Thursday evening following a follow-up operation in Quezon City.

Initial investigation showed that the driver and the victim met along Connecticut Street in Barangay Wack-Wack for the sale of a cellphone. The 23-year-old seller was allegedly not paid before the driver sped away in a dark-colored SUV.

The victim chased the SUV and held onto it as it was moving. He eventually lost his footing and fell on the pavement, resulting in critical injuries.

He was rushed to a hospital, but he went into a coma and died.

Police said investigators traced the SUV through closed-circuit television footage and coordinated operations with the Eastern Police District and the Regional Intelligence Division. 

The surveillance footage helped them identify the vehicle and locate the suspect’s residence in Quezon City.

The suspect is being held at the Mandaluyong City Police Station as investigators prepare to file a complaint for robbery with homicide before the city prosecutor’s office.