MAN ARRESTED FOR EXTORTION WITH FIREARM AND GRENADE

Police have arrested a man who was allegedly extorting and threatening locals with a firearm in the Kirivaththuduwa, Millagahawatta area.

He was apprehended on Monday (15) evening with a homemade firearm and a live grenade.

The suspect is accused of shooting a 49-year-old woman who failed to pay a ransom, causing her to be admitted to the Waaththara hospital in Kahathuduwa with injuries.

The arrest followed a complaint from the public.

Police said the suspect threatened to shoot them during the arrest, holding the firearm in one hand and a lighter in the other.

Officers managed to approach him from multiple directions and make a quick arrest.

A search of the 32-year-old suspect revealed a locally made live hand grenade in his trouser pocket and a machete hidden on his back.

The firearm was a four-barrel device that fired firecrackers when lit.

Police stated the suspect was attempting to collect money for his drug habit.

The suspect, who was previously arrested and sentenced for assaulting four people with a sharp weapon, is to be presented before the Kesbewa Magistrate's Court.

The investigation is being conducted by the Kahathuduwa Police under the guidance of senior officers.