Shooting Suspect Recaptured After Escape From Police

COLOMBO (News 1st); A suspect who escaped police custody in Ratnapura has been recaptured, police confirmed. 

The individual, identified as Suranga Upasanka, was apprehended last night (12) while hiding in the Godigamuwa area of Ratnapura.

Upasanka had previously been handed over to Ratnapura Police by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with multiple shooting incidents reported in Panadura.

However, on the morning of July 30, around 7 a.m., he managed to flee from the Ratnapura police station.

According to police sources, the suspect requested to use the restroom while in custody. 

When officers opened the cell door, he escaped, prompting an immediate manhunt. 

Following the incident, two sergeants attached to the Ratnapura Police have been suspended pending an internal inquiry.

In a further development, another individual who allegedly assisted Upasanka in evading capture was arrested in the Middeniya area.