AN undercover police operation led to the capture of two and killing of one of a group of professional car thieves, who had been operating in Longgang District in Shenzhen, a Chinese-language newspaper reported.

    Earlier this year, Longgang police found that a criminal gang, wearing black suits, masks, wigs and gloves, frequently stole cars in Longgang and then escaped to neighboring cities. Police suspected that the gang members might also be armed with guns.

    Police first stationed undercover vehicles Friday along the Shenzhen-Shantou Expressway in hopes of catching the thieves.

    At around 5 a.m. Monday, the three suspects drove three cars to the section of the road but were surrounded by undercover police cars. The suspected thieves smashed into 13 police cars while trying to escape. During the escape attempt, police officers were in danger of being hit by the fleeing cars.

    Police opened fire, killing one driver before arresting the other two.

    The suspects were arrested wearing black suits and wigs. Police also found a gun, a master key, masks, wigs, fake car plates and other tools in the three stolen cars that the suspected thieves had been driving.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    (Luo Songsong)