The violence broke out after a police officer fired a warning shot to arrest a man suspected of having committed several criminal offences in Wagete at around 5 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
The man had supposedly tortured a civilian and destroyed a patrol car in front of Telkomsel tower, or some 200 meters from the initial scene of the incident.
After public reports were received, the police officers attempted to catch the man, but he fled the house to grab an arrow and arch and thereafter chased the officers.
The officers fired warning shots, one of which hit the man. Some minutes later, a group of residents attacked and set ablaze the police station.
In his response to the incident, Chief of the Papua Provincial Police Brigadier General Rudolf Roja noted in a brief message text that he was holding a meeting.
No immediate report had been received of casualties or injuries in the incident.
Translator: Evarukdijati, Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
