Jakarta. A seven-year-old girl was held hostage by a middle-aged man armed with a knife at a police post in Pejaten, South Jakarta on Monday. The incident, which drew a large crowd and ended in police intervention, saw the suspect ultimately detained.

The assailant, identified as 54-year-old IJ, reportedly brought the child into the police post, later moving her to a vehicle while wielding a knife. Mulyadi, a local resident, described the tense moments: "The suspect dragged the child from the post, but luckily, she is safe."

Police officers and bystanders negotiated with the suspect, leading to his eventual capture. Further investigation revealed IJ had been using methamphetamine for four days. South Jakarta Metro Police spokesperson Nurma Dewi confirmed the positive drug test, explaining IJ's actions were fueled by drug-induced paranoia. "He admitted to meth use, which led him to hallucinate being pursued, and he used the child as a shield," Nurma added.

According to police, IJ initially obtained permission from the victim’s parents, claiming he would take her out on a Sunday night outing. The two reportedly rode around Jakarta on a borrowed motorcycle from 7 p.m. until 5 a.m. The child ultimately grew distressed, prompting the suspect to stop at the police post, where he brandished a knife in an attempt to calm her.

The incident caught the attention of nearby residents and drivers, who alerted the police. Following the suspect's detention, the child was taken to Jakarta Medical Center (JMC) Hospital for a health assessment. South Jakarta Traffic Police Chief Commissioner Yunita Rungkat said, "She sustained minor scrapes near her eye but is otherwise unharmed."

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