Tricycle driver fights back gun-toting assailant

MANILA, Philippines—A tricycle driver, after being shot by a motorcycle-riding suspect, fought back at his assailant, successfully wrested the gun, and then chased and cornered the suspect with police and other tricycle drivers Monday night.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban, Makati Chief of Police, said that the tricycle drivers, Ruben Niegos and Alfonso Ruivivar, were driving along Jupiter Avenue, Makati when the suspect, Ronaldo Rico, 45, stopped beside them and opened fire.

Rico shot at Niegos with a .22-caliber revolver but hit Ruivivar at his left shoulder, Lukban said.

Ruivivar then fought back at the assailant and successfully wrested the gun but injured his hand in the process, Lukban added.

The suspect fled from the scene but was chased and cornered by Niegos along with other tricycle drivers and Makati policemen who responded, Lukban said.

Obtained from the suspect were a fan knife, 28 pieces of live ammunition for the .22-caliber pistol and six empty shells, Lukban said.

Rico, said to be jobless and a resident of Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong, has underwent inquest proceeding, Lukban said.