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Headline:
Arrest Made in Brutal Highway Carjacking: Man Caught for Stabbings on Congested Toll Road

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In a dramatic turn of events, Jakarta police have apprehended a man named M Ali Sanda (MAS), allegedly involved in a brazen carjacking incident that targeted a couple on the accessibility toll road of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta Utara. MAS is believed to have played a pivotal role in threatening the victims with a sharp weapon.

"Our team has successfully apprehended one suspect, identified as MAS, who threatened the victims with a sharp object," said Kanit Jatanras of the Metro Jakarta Utara Police, AKP Lukman, in an interview on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

The heinous crime unfolded on Friday, January 3, in the evening, when traffic was heavily congested at the scene. MAS, along with five other accomplices, carried out the daring robbery.

MAS, authorities revealed, has a history of criminal behavior, being a repeat offender particularly in cases of stealing with violence, or ‘curas’.

"In our initial investigation, we found out that MAS is a recidivist, previously arrested by Kelapa Gading Police for a similar crime," AKP Lukman disclosed.

Currently, police are hot on the heels of the remaining five suspects who collaborated with MAS in this operation. Their modus operandi includes frequently targeting vehicles near the Plumpang Toll Road.

Operating When Traffic is Stalled

The mastermind behind the operation indicated that the group often targeted vehicles on Jakarta’s toll roads, specifically when traffic was heavy. Before carrying out their crimes, the gang would gather at a designated point near the location.

"They gather around before the incident, waiting for a suitable moment when traffic is heavily congested. Upon identifying an opportunity, they approach vehicles with open windows," AKP Lukman revealed to journalists.

The gang used sharp weapons, called ‘celurit’, to intimidate drivers and passengers into surrendering their valuables.

"Once they have identified an ideal target, they swiftly approach, armed with their weapons, and demand the handover of the victims’ belongings," he added.

So far, two vehicles have been reported as victims of the robberies. On Friday, a couple was targeted by the armed gang in the midst of the heavy congestion.

"The group encircled the couple’s car and attempted to assault the wife through the passenger side," reported Kombes Ade Ary Syam Indradi, Chief of the Metropolitan Jaya Police Public Relations Bureau.

In a separate incident, a lone driver was also targeted by the gang as he was exiting the toll road. The thief demanded money from the driver, snatched his bag, and además inflicted injuries to his back before fleeing the scene.

This capture brings some relief for Jakarta’s road users, but police caution that the hunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing. They urge everyone to stay alert and remain safe while navigating the city’s toll roads.

(Source: ygs/dnu)