KULIM - A police officer from the Kulim district police headquarters received 36 stitches on the chest while another officer was given five stitches on the leg due to injuries sustained while attempting to apprehend a theft suspect, today.
Kulim district police chief Superintendent Redzuan Salleh said the 10.45am incident in Taman Selasih took place when a police team approached a man suspected of being involved in a recent theft at a supermarket.
He said the officer leading the operation from the Crime Investigation Division in Kulim was at the scene and found the suspect fleeing on a motorcycle.
"Initially, we saw the suspect stopping in front of a house and as the officer introduced himself as a police officer, the 82-year-old suspect grabbed an object from inside the motorcycle.
"He then swung his hand towards the officer, causing severe injuries to the officer's chest," he said in a statement.
Redzuan added another officer attempted to apprehend the suspect, leading to a scuffle that caused the officer to sustain injuries to the left leg.
He said both victims in their 30s were taken to Kulim Hospital for treatment with the officer leading the operation receiving 36 stitches on the chest and the other officer receiving five stitches on the left leg.
However, the suspect was successfully apprehended with assistance.
"A paper cutter knife and stolen items from the supermarket were seized from the suspect.
"Further checks revealed that the suspect had three past criminal records, but a urine test showed no presence of drugs," he added.
The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment if convicted.
An investigation is also being conducted under Section 380 of the Penal Code for theft which may result in a fine and a maximum of 10 years imprisonment if found guilty.