SUV driver who pistol-whipped QC traffic enforcer named

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The Quezon City Police Department (QCPD) has identified the SUV driver who pistol-whipped a deputized traffic enforcer and kicked another after his vehicle was stopped for entering a one-way street at Barangay East Kamias, Quezon City last April 29.

The QCPD identified the driver of the black Mitsubishi Montero with plate number UJQ-889 as a certain Denmark Presto from Sampaloc, Manila and Ilocos Sur.

READ: Men on SUV hit, poke gun at 2 QC traffic enforcers

Barangay traffic enforcers Simplicio Retirado, 60, and Raul Mercado, 35, have positively identified Presto as the driver who drew his gun and pistol-whipped and kicked them last April 29.
 

Den Mark Presto

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage earlier showed the black Mitsubishi Montero being stopped by the traffic enforcers for entering a one-way street at K-6th Street corner Kasing-Kasing.

The video showed the Montero driver, Presto, pushing and then kicking open his door, hitting Retirado. The driver then pistol-whipped Retirado, hitting him on the nape.

Presto also threatened to hit Mercado and even kicked him before going back and pointing his gun at Retirado.

A passenger of the Montero, identified as a certain Scott Ian Yu, also alighted from the vehicle while holding a gun.

The two then boarded the Montero and drove off.

Scott Ian Yu

Mercado earlier told ABS-CBN that Yu had asked that he be forgiven for the traffic violation since he is allegedly a member of the Philippine Army.

Retirado said he first saw Yu draw his firearm while inside the vehicle. This prompted Presto to pull out his firearm.

“Ang sabi ko, ‘Sir, sir. Hindi naman kami lalaban sa inyo,'” said the 60-year-old traffic enforcer.

He said Presto then got out and hit him on the nape with his gun.

An ABS-CBN News team went to Den Mark Presto’s house at Casanas Street in Sampaloc. Presto’s aunt and cousin said Den Mark no longer lives there.

The QCPD is still waiting for word from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on whether or not Yu is a member of the Philippine Army.

Police are set to file charges of grave threat and direct assault against the suspects.

Watch the original ABS-CBN TV Patrol report on the incident.

This article has been re-published with permission from ABS-CBNnews.com.

Photos: ABS-CBNnews.com