A member of a five-man car-snatching gang has been gunned down by the police in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The gang had, reportedly, fled Ogbomosho where it allegedly snatched a Toyota Camry (Muscle) at gunpoint and headed to Ilorin. However, it unexpectedly ran into operatives of the state police command at Kulende, in the Zango metropolis.

The Guardian learned that the suspects divided themselves into two groups: three persons in a Toyota Corolla and the remainder in the stolen Toyota Camry.

Acting on a tip-off, the policemen accosted the men. During the encounter, they reportedly shot the driver in the neck.

This made him lose control and ram the car into a stationary vehicle and nearby shops.

An eyewitness said: “He lost consciousness and hit the vehicle against an electric pole. The pole broke into two. The vehicle also hit some shops and damaged properties.

“The armed robber who was shot died on the spot while the other occupant escaped. The policemen later came and cordoned off the area.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire Adeyemi-Adetoun, confirmed the incident, saying the investigation was ongoing.

She added that no arrest had so far been made.