By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A tricycle driver accused of stealing a goat was mauled by an angry mob after he was cornered in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, late Wednesday evening.

Police identified the suspect as Joel Cepida, a tricycle driver and resident of Barangay Villamonte in the said city.

Based on statements by Cepida, he claimed to be driving his tricycle when two individuals, identified only as ‘Totoy’ and ‘Peping,’ occupied his vehicle in exchange for P200.

The three proceeded to Barangay Alijis, where Cepida claimed the suspects stole a goat.

Nearby residents witnessed the incident and a chase ensued, resulting in Cepida and the goat being left behind by the suspects.

Residents reportedly took turns beating him until members of Police Station 7 (PS7) arrived.

Cepida was later brought to a hospital in Bacolod City after sustaining several cuts and bruises, before being confined in PS7’s detention facility.

PS7, meanwhile, recovered the stolen goat and Cepida potentially faces theft charges./DGB, WDJ