A young man is currently in hospital nursing his wound after being shot in a gun fight with police at Kamkumung Speedway in Lae city this week.

The incident occurred around 3am on Tuesday, December 17, while members of the Police Sector Response Unit (SRU) were conducting night patrols in the green and yellow sectors. Police were returning from duties at Talis Kona in East and West Taraka when they spotted a group of youths gathered near a trade store along the Speedway.

Lae Metropolitan Commander, Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyaban, said officers ordered the group to stop, but they fled towards the Bumbu River.

“During the pursuit, one of the suspects fired a shot at police. Officers took cover and returned fire, wounding one suspect while the others managed to escape,” he said.

Police recovered several offensive items at the scene, including homemade pistols, live ammunition, wire catapults and a bag containing personal belongings. A container with a mixed homebrew substance was also found.

The wounded suspect was taken to Angau Hospital and identified as a 24-year-old man from Mingendi Village in Kerowaghi District, Simbu Province. He is receiving treatment for a gunshot wound to his right leg.

Chief Superintendent Kunyaban said the suspect will be formally arrested and charged once discharged from hospital. He warned that police will continue intense patrols in known crime-prone areas.

“We will not tolerate armed criminals threatening the safety of our communities or our police officers,” he said.

Police investigations are continuing, and efforts are under way to locate the other suspects who escaped during the incident.