BAGHDAD — Iraqi citizens, who witnessed a vehicle borne improvised explosive device that killed one Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier, turned over a criminal to the Iraqi National Police, May 1.

The citizens observed a man parking a vehicle and walking a significant distance away from it. They saw the man using a cell phone before the detonation. After the blast, Iraqi citizens chased the criminal and made a citizen’s arrest. The criminal was turned over to the Iraqi National Police, where he tested positive for explosive compounds.

Two other criminals were also apprehended after they were observed and identified watching the area when the blast occurred. They also tested positive for explosives.

“An American Soldier paid the ultimate price on behalf of his country, his family and the citizens of Iraq,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, the chief of staff for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “We will not relent in our efforts to rid Baghdad of these criminal elements, and today, as many times before, we were aided in that struggle by the people of Iraq.

“The citizens of Iraq have repeatedly shown their displeasure for these criminals operating in their neighborhoods and are continuing to assist American forces to rid these criminals off the streets in Baghdad,” Batschelet said.