Police: US official in Pakistan shootout

[January 27, 2011]  LAHORE, Pakistan (AP) -- An American consular employee traveling in a car in Pakistan shot and killed two armed men on a motorcycle as they tried to rob him on Thursday, police said. A pedestrian was also killed by a speeding American car trying to help, an officer said.

The U.S. Embassy said an American employee was involved in the incident in Lahore, but could not confirm details.

Police officer Umar Saeed said the American was being held in police custody.

"He says he opened fire in self-defense," he said.

While the facts of the incident are still being established, it may add to anti-American rhetoric in the country.

Sections of the media are prone to fanning right-wing conspiracy theories that frequently feature armed foreigners roaming the country at will, violating its sovereignty.

Saeed said the American shot both robbers during the incident. He said the man alerted colleagues who were in a car behind him. He said that car hit a passer-by, who died at a hospital, as they rushed to help.

Local TV showed footage of what it said was the American's car. It had several bullet holes in the front windshield.

Western diplomats in Pakistan are subject to strict security guidelines because of the threat of militant violence.

Street robberies are not uncommon. Foreigners would be perceived as lucrative targets in the poor country.

[Associated Press; By BABAR DOGAR]

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