What started as a simple theft turned deadly after a police officer caught thieves stealing his prized roosters from his home in Barangay Care in Tarlac City.

The officer, who was awakened by his dog’s barking, stepped outside and saw suspects loading his fighting roosters onto a tricycle.

When he confronted them, one of the suspects fired at him but missed. The officer ran back inside to get his firearm and chased the suspects.

The pursuit led to a shootout along Aquino Boulevard in Barangay Carangian where one of the suspects died. Two were injured and brought to the hospital, while another managed to escape.

Police recovered a .38-caliber revolver and 11 stolen roosters worth around P132,000 at the scene.

PCol. Miguel Guzman, director of the Tarlac Police Provincial Office, said the officer only acted to defend himself.

“Nung napansin po ng suspek na hinahabol po sila ng pulis, agad pong tumigil at pinaputukan po itong ating kapulisan at doon na nga po nagkaroon ng armed encounter, palitan ng putok,” Guzman said.

“Hindi po siya nagsasabong, siya po ay nag-aalaga at nagbi-breed ng mga manok,” Guzman added.