19-Year-Old Bank Robber Shot Dead After Holding Woman Hostage In Johor

According to New Straits Times, the incident took place in Air Tawar, Kota Tinggi at around 2pm in the afternoon.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Ashmon Bajah said the teenager had entered the bank armed with a sickle.

The suspect immediately took a hostage by holding the weapon to the neck of a female customer and demanded for money.

"Acting to protect customers and the bank staff, the on-duty security guard fired his pump-gun at the robber and hit him at his right rib," said Superintendent Ashmon.

"The robber was declared dead at the scene."

One of the videos shows the distressing scene inside the bank with the suspect in a head mask holding the female hostage while the bank staff stand around apprehensive.

Some women are heard crying.

Other videos show local residents standing outside of the bank, witnessing the ordeal.

A witness told New Straits Times it was the first time she has ever seen a robbery.

"The bank shutters were pulled down and there was a shout coming from inside (the bank) asking for money," she said.

The witness said the residents had called the police but several first guarded the bank's front and back doors to make sure the robber had no route to escape.

When the police arrived, there was a knock on the bank doors that they were ready to intercept.

"Instead, several customers came out and some of them were crying and in a state of shock," she told reporters.

The Star reported that no bank staff or customers were hurt during the incident.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Ashmon said the suspect's body has been sent to Hospital Sultan Ismail for a post-mortem.

The police chief added that the suspect had no previous criminal record.