Angry mobs set fire to two police stations, Sanggeng market and Amban, in Manokwari, West Papua, on Wednesday after police shot dead recidivist Tomotius AP as he attempted to escape arrest.
Papua Police deputy chief Brig. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw said the mobs destroyed and set fire to the stations while parading an empty coffin symbolizing the death of Timotius.
“They brought an empty coffin because Timotius’ remains were in a funeral house in Venindi beach,” he said, as quoted by Antara news agency.
The mobs also reportedly blockaded the main roads in the city, disrupting regular activity in the city. Markets were closed while schools ordered the students to go home early.
Paulus said that although he had not yet received a full report on the incident, he had deployed the Mobile Brigade and community control unit (Dalmas) personnel to safeguard the city.
Timotius, a convict of numerous crimes--including robbery and rape—was shot when police attempted to apprehend him on Tuesday evening after escaping from prison in August.
He died at the Manokwari Navy Hospital with a gunshot wound in his right waist.
Police said they were forced to shoot the recidivist, who was supposed to serve an 18-year prison term, because he was carrying a firearm.