Alleged intruder grabs cop’s firearm; is killed in shootout

A man who police brought to the hospital to have his wounds treated after a chase, was killed in a shootout after he grabbed the service firearm of a policeman while in a hospital in Quezon City Saturday.

Superintendent Ariel Capocao, chief of Project 4 Police Station (PS-8), identified the fatality as Ronald Gallo, 31, of Taguig City.

Investigators said that Gallo was reported to the police station for allegedly entering a house in Rigor Street, Barangay Masagana without permission.

However, Gallo told police a different story, saying he was running away barefoot from motorcycle-riding men and decided to hide inside someone’s house during the chase.

During the arrest, police noticed that Gallo was hurt prompting them to bring him to Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

He was escorted by three police officers from PS-8, namely SPO1 Joel Valdez, PO3 Johnny Casicas, and PO1 Eric Macaraeg.

Police said Gallo refused to be treated and started arguing with the medical staff. He then grabbed Macaraeg’s service firearm and ran towards the nearby Department of Health office compound.

Gallo fired at the officers hitting security guards Rolito Samosino, and Arnel Nitafan in the legs.

He was later cornered by back-up operatives but he continued to engage them into a shootout. He died on the spot due to gunshot wounds on his back and chest.