2 suspects arrested in Payatas ‘gas-and-run’ incident

Two suspects have been arrested while one remains at large following a “gas-and-run” incident on Monday at a gas station in Payatas, Quezon City.

“Subsequent follow-up operations resulted in the identification and arrest of two suspects, while a manhunt continues for another individual to ensure full accountability,” the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said in a statement on Tuesday. 

“Charges for estafa are being prepared against the involved suspects. The arrested individuals will be referred to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office for inquest proceedings,” it added.

Around 3:10 a.m. on Monday, a motorist allegedly fled from a gas station on Payatas Road in Barangay Bagong Silangan without paying for around P1,500 worth of fuel.

Investigators reviewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to trace the vehicle involved.

Records showed that the vehicle had already changed ownership, leading police to conduct further verification.

Through backtracking, investigators identified the person currently in possession of the vehicle and linked them to the incident.

In a separate statement, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said the new owner, identified as "Christian,” lent the vehicle to his associate, identified as alias “Tyron.”

Operatives subsequently tracked Tyron’s whereabouts, resulting in his arrest along with his cohort, identified as alias “Ricky” in Rodriguez, Rizal. —VAL, GMA News