A suspected thief was shot dead after he was caught stealing from a house inside a subdivision in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Based on initial investigation, a concerned citizen saw the incident and immediately alerted his son who is a police officer living nearby.

The homeowner also caught the suspect stealing two cellphones. As the suspect tried to flee, he was met by the off-duty police officer.

“Nabulabog na 'yung akyat-bahay dala-dala 'yung mga ninakaw na items. 'Yung pagkakataong iyon ay pinigilan po siya ni Pat Ray Lemuel Zabat at sa kasamaang palad ay imbes na sumuko at ibigay ang mga ninakaw ay bumunot pa po ito ng baril kaya napilitan pong off-duty na pulis na ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili at nabaril niya nga po niya ang suspek,” PLTCOL. Roy Calulot, Chief of City of San Fernando Police Station, said.

The police officer, assigned in the town of Mexico, shot the suspect in the stomach, causing his death.

Authorities are still verifying the suspect’s identity and checking if he is linked to other crimes in the area.

“Bagamat off-duty nga po, sa tawag po ng tungkulin at sa tawag po ng pagkakataon ay re-responde po tayo. Ganun po talaga ang damdamin ng mga pulis para lang po maging safe po ang ating mga communities,” Calulot said.

Police reminded the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities in their communities immediately.