A suspect has fled following a violent confrontation with police during an attempted arrest in Kahaduwa, Elpitiya, police said.
Officers from the Elpitiya Police Station had gone to the area to conduct a raid when suspects allegedly attempted to assault them. Police said officers fired into the air to bring the situation under control.
Two suspects then fled the scene, while two police officers pursued them. During a subsequent attempt to arrest one suspect, he allegedly attacked a police officer with a sharp weapon.
Police responded by opening fire, injuring the suspect. He was then restrained and taken into custody, but was later removed from police possession by a group of individuals who arrived at the scene and fled with him.
Police said the suspect is believed to be involved in several criminal incidents, including aiding and abetting murder.
The injured police officer is receiving treatment at the Elpitiya Hospital.
Investigations are continuing to apprehend the suspect, who remains at large.
