Jakarta – The chief of Jakarta Police has blamed a Tuesday night gunfight between a navy officer and four police officers in East Jakarta was caused by a misunderstanding.
The shooting incident occurred while East Jakarta Police officers conducted a drug raid on Jalan Raya Taman Mini, Cipayung.
Police were arresting a drug suspect identified as Edi Azis, when a vehicle fled the location. Officers stopped the car and removed naval officer Capt. Eko Wuryanto. Police officer First. Brig. Umar Seno Aji fired two warning shots, but was shot in the thigh by Umar sparking a gunfight between the two.
"The shooter alleged that the police officer was a violent robber because the latter wore plainclothes while also carrying a gun," Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian told reporters on Wednesday.
Police officers, meanwhile, allege the shooter was part of the drug crimes in the area. "He was not the target," Tito added. "We provisionally conclude that it was allegedly caused by a misunderstanding. But we will dig deeper whether it was pure miscommunication or there were other motives."