Lift attacker shaved head, say cops

KUALA LUMPUR: The Taman Mutiara MRT lift attacker had shaved his head to avoid detection when police stormed into his flat and arrested him.

The man, who savagely attacked and robbed a woman at the Taman Mutiara MRT station in Cheras on Valentine's Day, knew he was being hunted, said city police chief Comm Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim.

“He did not even turn on the lights in his flat except for a few minutes when he ate or went to the toilet,” he said at the city police headquartersyesterday.

He was arrested at Taman Cheras around 8.10pm on Monday.

Describing the man, 26, as a hardened criminal with a serious drug addiction, Comm Mazlan said the man frequently resorted to violence in his crimes.

“He does not hesitate to use violence if the victim does not co-operate.

“He is a member of the 08 gang, and we have connected him with six cases of theft and robbery so far,” he said.

The man also has four prior criminal records related to drugs, fighting and robbery.

Comm Mazlan Lazim said police tracked him using CCTV footage from the supermarket which he robbed shortly before the attack that went viral.

Police managed to identify him and his motorcycle through the footage.

The man is said to be involved in criminal activity since 2014.

“He works as an air-conditioner repairman. When there is no work, he resorts to crime to fuel his drug habit,” he said.

Comm Mazlan said the man tested positive for syabu and ecstasy.

Police also recovered 19 mobile phones, ATM cards and random tools believed to have been used for breaking into houses.

“So far we believe he works alone but we are checking if there are accomplices,” he said.

Comm Mazlan urged the public to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times.

“If you see anyone suspicious, please contact the police immediately,” he said.- Star