Suspected drug pusher killed in Port Area shootout with cops

A suspected drug pusher was killed when he traded gunfire with police officers shortly after evading a checkpoint in Manila’s Port Area early Wednesday.

Police said prior to the shooting, the suspect aboard a motorcycle evaded a checkpoint manned by police officers and officials of Barangay 694, Zone 68 at the Baseco Compound at around 12:15 a.m.

After evading the checkpoint, police officers gave chase and cornered the suspect. However, instead of yielding, the suspect pulled out a .38 caliber revolver and opened fire, police said.

The suspect was shot dead during the shootout while Police Officer 1 Gerardo Salustino sustained a gunshot wound on his left shoulder and was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila for emergency treatment.

Police said the suspect was about 30 to 35 years old, about 5’9 in height and was wearing a white T-shirt, a pair of shorts with floral prints and a black cap.

Recovered from the scene were the suspect’s .38 caliber revolver with four bullets and two spent shells. Also recovered were three spent shells from a 9 mm pistol, a bag containing three plastic sachets of suspected shabu, and the suspect’s motorcycle.  /muf