8 arrested in foiled pawnshop heist

Eight suspects were arrested after authorities foiled an alleged robbery attempt at a pawnshop in Santa Ignacia, Tarlac, on 4 September

According to police reports, Santa Ignacia police responded to a 911 call after an alarm was triggered at an establishment along Romulo Highway in Barangay Poblacion West.

Upon inspection, responding officers discovered an opening near the roll-up door and determined that the suspects had allegedly used the highway’s drainage system to gain access to the establishment.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of five suspects who were allegedly attempting to escape through the same drainage system.

Further investigation led police to three other alleged cohorts who were waiting aboard an Isuzu Elf truck in Barangay Poblacion East. They were arrested during a hot pursuit operation.

Authorities recovered an improvised pistol, three hand grenades, one rifle grenade, eight sachets of suspected shabu, the Isuzu Elf truck, and various tools allegedly used in the attempted robbery.

The suspects are undergoing appropriate legal proceedings.