"We still do not know their motives. We are still conducting investigation at the scene and seeking information from witnesses," Central Sulawesi police spokesman Adjunc Senior Commissioner Soemarno said at Bhayangkara police hospital.
He said he did not know yet if the shooting of three police officers at 11.30am at BCA Bank on Jalan Emy Saelan Palu that morning was connected with a robbery plan or a terror act.
Soemarno said there were two gunmen involved in the shooting, riding on a motorbike and carrying rifles.
He said the two opened fire at the three policemen assigned at the bank, leaving two of them dead and the other wounded who is now being treated at the Bhayangkara hospital.
The two officers who died were Second Brigadier Gustiar Yudistira and Second Brigadier Prawira. They were shot on their chest where three to five shot wounds were found.
Soemarno said one of the perpetrators wore a veil while the other one wore a helmet so that their faces were not recognizable.
He said the police had collected some bullet casings and questioned witnesses for further investigation.
Soemarno said one of the victims` firearms had been taken away by the shooters.
Palu city police chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Raden Deden Garnada also said to ANTARA News on the scene that the shooters might have snatched one of the firearms of the police officers before they fled.
"We are still searching an SS1 firearm to see if it was secured by one of the victims or taken away by the shooters," he said. (*)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
