Three men who attacked a policeman then robbed him of his service firearm and cellphone during an argument after a vehicular accident have been arrested by the Valenzuela police.
Supt. Reynaldo Z. Medina Jr., Valenzuela Police deputy chief for operations, identified the suspects as Danilo Lorenzo, Rhoniel Dave Lorenzo, and Danilo Gabriel.
The victim, P02 Rico Valenzuela of the Valenzuela central police station, was on board his motorcycle cruising along Santolan and Gen. T. De Leon streets when he was bumped by a Honda car allegedly driven by Rhoniel Lorenzo, with Danilo his uncle riding in front.
Instead of stopping, the Lorenzos sped away, prompting Valenzuela to give chase until they reached Robinson Mall, where the policeman confronted the two.
Valenzuela was introducing himself as a policeman during their altercation, but the suspects ganged up on him. Gabriel also joined in mauling him, per the police report.
Valenzuela tried to draw his firearm but, Danilo grabbed it and used it to pistol-whip the policemen repeatedly.
As Valenzuela fell down, Danilo pulled the trigger, but the gun misfired. The policeman ran for safety, but the three chased him down until he slumped to the ground.
While Valenzuela was limping off, one of the suspects allegedly picked up his cellphone and left the scene.
Valenzuela was rushed to Fatima General Hospital, where he is still confined. The Lorenzos reported to the Police Community Precinct-2, claiming they were allegedly mauled by a man armed with a .9mm pistol, but said they managed to grab the gun and turned it over to a certain P01 Serrano.
But their version was proved false after CCTV footage contradicted their claim, prompting the policemen to arrest them.
In a follow-up operation, police also arrested Gabriel, with the policemen’s cellphone in his possession.
The suspects are being charged with robbery with physical injuries, Medina said.