Two suspects accused of armed robbery were arrested hours after CCTV footage of their daring daylight attack was released.
The two were part of a trio, responsible for a harrowing robbery incident in Timau, Meru County, with footage showing the armed individuals in green attire robbing a shop attendant.
The alarm was initially raised by a police reservist, who observed an individual armed with an AK-47 rifle engaging in the crime. The reservist challenged the suspect, who dropped the firearm and fled the scene on foot.
Police officers from Kathare, Subuiga, and Buuri East police stations were instantly notified of the incident and began a search for the suspects.
The search eventually led them to the discovery of a motor vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects during the commission of the crime.
Interestingly, police found a female suspect inside the vehicle, while her male counterparts decided to flee on foot. The second suspect was nabbed hiding at a nearby residential property.
"A female suspect was cornered as she attempted to make her escape from the car. Also captured was her accomplice, who was netted while trying to hide in a nearby house," a statement from DCI read.
The DCI further confirmed that a shootout which ensued on the evening of Wednesday, June 4, was courtesy of the suspects, who were dressed in jungle military uniforms and armed with AK-47 rifles.
"The criminals stormed into an M-Pesa shop and ordered the attendant to open the door. On hesitation, they fired at her but she dodged their shot and sneaked into a nearby room," the statement from DCI added.
Another customer sustained gunshot injuries after the robbers fired towards him as they were fleeing the shop after making their way out of the shop with 15 smartphones.
According to the DCI, two suspects are in custody, while a search has been launched to nab the third accomplice who is still at large.
Meanwhile, officers seized a firearm and ammunition, which will be detailed as exhibits. It remains unclear how the robbers were able to gain access to AK-17 rifles, especially because such weaponry is allocated to officers attached to state agencies.
