Bukit Aman criminal investigation department deputy director (intelligence/operations) Fadil Marsus said police had tracked the 21-year-old local suspect to Jalan Bayu Tinggi, Klang, where he attempted to flee.

“The suspect rammed into a police vehicle, prompting a car chase before he was intercepted. A shootout occurred between the suspect and police officers at the scene,” he said in a statement.

He said a search of the suspect’s vehicle found a semi-automatic pistol and a parang, while checks showed that he had no criminal record.

Fadil said the suspect was believed to be among those involved in the kidnapping of the girl in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.

A RM2 million ransom was demanded of the victim’s family on April 10.

Fadil said the girl’s family had paid RM280,000 along with some jewellery, and that she was released the following day (April 11) in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan.

“Police also arrested three men and three women, aged between 21 and 30, in Sendayan to assist in investigations, and recovered RM230,000 along with other items, which are being reviewed,” he added.