Police Spokesman Superintendent of Police Ruwan Gunasekara stated that the STF had been tipped off that a criminal gang was planning a major crime and had followed two vans carrying the alleged gang members.
At about 5.15 p.m. yesterday, STF personnel had attempted to stop and inspect the vehicles, at which point the occupants had allegedly opened fire, prompting STF personnel to return fire. Two of the suspects who suffered gunshot injuries were admitted to the Negombo Hospital. The condition of one was said to be serious. Two others were arrested and handed over by the STF to the Negombo Police, SP Gunasekara stated.
Two T56 firearms and one pistol have been recovered from the scene while the vehicles allegedly used by the suspects have also been taken into custody.
