The suspect, who recently stabbed a person to death in Gampaha while attempting to snatch a handbag from a woman, has died in a police shooting.
Several days ago, the suspect had made an attempt to snatch the handbag of a woman in the area of Akarawita in Gampaha.
He also stabbed the father and son duo that arrived at the scene to help the woman after hearing her scream. The son who was fatally wounded died in the stabbing while the father is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit.
When the law enforcement authorities tried to take the 35-year-old into custody yesterday, he had charged at them with a machete knife, according to the police.
As the situation escalated, the police opened fire at the suspect. As he was wounded in the shooting, he was rushed to the Gampaha District General Hospital where he succumbed to injuries.
The suspect is reportedly a resident of Pahalagama area and is said to be severely addicted to narcotics.
