3 car thieves caught in Valenzuela

Three suspected car thieves were arrested by elements of the Valenzuela City police following a tip from a private citizen.

Reports from the Northern Police District said that a certain Jayson Soriano went to the office of the Valenzuela City Police – Anti Carnapping division and reported that he transacted with people who were selling a suspected stolen pearl white Toyota Altis, with a plate number UIH-211.

According to Soriano, he was advised by his friend to report the activity to authorities after the car was sold for a mere P50,000.

After the incident, operatives were dispatched to the agreed meeting place, which was in front of a mall at Dalandanan, Valenzuela City, to intercept the suspects, who were identified as Mark Anthony Copiaco, 38; Mark Anthony Cruz, 38; and Edmon Lanante, 31, all from Malhacan, Meycauayan in Bulacan.

However, upon seeing police officers approach them and the car at the transaction’s venue, the suspect ran away in different directions.  The police were also fired at by Copiaco four successive times.  The police returned fire, injuring Copiaco after he was hit on his left knee.

Cruz and Lanante were cornered beside a restaurant before they were arrested.  Capioco, on the other hand, was brought to the Valenzuela Medical Center for treatment, and later transferred to the Orthopedic General Hospital in Quezon City.

Aside from the .22 caliber revolver and the four spent cartridges used by the suspects in the encounter, four other live ammunitions, along with two licensed plate number PAQ-261 (2 pieces) and UIH-211 (1 piece), a cellphone, a vehicle pass, and a warranty booklet from Toyota.

The uninjured suspects were brought to the Station Investigation Unit for documenting and investigation.  Authorities are still verifying the owner of the white Toyota Altis as of this time. /je