STO. TOMAS—A suspected drug pusher who reportedly sells marijuana and shabu to students was killed in a shootout with lawmen Thursday afternoon in Barangay San Jose here.

Senior Inspector Allan Emerson Dauz, officer-in-charge police chief here, identified the suspect as Regino Tugade, 28, single, tricycle driver and a resident of Barangay San Antonio here.

Operatives of the Sto. Tomas Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation against the suspect in an open field.

After the transaction, the operatives tried to arrest Tugade but he resisted and drew out a .38 caliber pistol and fired at the policemen.

A shootout ensued and the suspect sustained a lone gunshot wound on the head that caused his death.

Recovered from the crime scene were .38 caliber pistol with four live ammunitions and two fired shells on its chamber/revolver, two empty shells for cal. 9mm pistol, suspected shabu and marijuana placed in a plastic sachet, and the P500.00 marked money, among others.

The .38 caliber, empty shells and the suspected shabu and marijuana have been brought to the Crime Laboratory for examination.—Eva Visperas

Back to Homepage