Bangkok: A deranged man opened fire in a residential area, killing one person. A deranged man fired a gun on a street in the middle of a community, fatally wounding a motorist who was driving past. A bullet struck him in the chest, killing him. Three methamphetamine pills were found on the suspect.
According to Thai News Agency, police from Lat Bua Luang Police Station in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province responded to an incident involving a deranged man who fired a gun at civilians and vehicles on the road along Khlong Phaya Mueang Canal, Moo 6, Phraya Banlue Subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang District. At the scene, a white sedan was found with bullet holes in the driver's side door. The driver, Ms. Paphassara, 44, was critically injured and later died at the hospital. Her aunt and child were unharmed. Initial reports indicate that four trucks, two sedans, and one pickup truck were damaged by the gunfire.
The perpetrator, identified as 35-year-old Sarawut, was immediately apprehended by the officers. A black big bike motorcycle and three methamphetamine pills were seized as evidence. During questioning, he provided no information and also had injuries on his body. He was taken to Lat Bua Luang Hospital for treatment and drug testing before being brought back for further questioning.
Mr. Uthai, 46, an eyewitness, stated that while he was driving his truck to load soil in Sena District, he saw the perpetrator riding a motorcycle at high speed overtaking him on the left before losing control and flipping over several times. The perpetrator then got up, pulled out a gun, and fired several shots at his truck. The perpetrator then fell, so Mr. Uthai quickly jumped off and sought cover. During this time, he warned other vehicles to take cover because the perpetrator was still firing at several cars traveling in the opposite direction and also at nearby houses.
Mr. Thanatat, 49, another eyewitness, recounted that while inside his house, he heard more than 10 gunshots in quick succession. When he went outside, he saw the perpetrator holding a gun on the roadside, pointed at him. He immediately ran back inside, shouting warnings to passing cars to stay away. However, the victim's car pulled into his driveway. The assailant, still standing on the roadside, pointed his gun at him. He tried to shout, "Don't shoot!" because there were children in the car, but the assailant ignored him and fired one shot into his house. He didn't realize anyone had been shot at first, but he saw that the driver hadn't opened the door. He went to check on her and called out, but received no response. He then opened the car door and found the female driver shot. The victim's aunt was in shock, and two children were sitting in the back of the car, crying in fear. He immediately called for emergency medical services, but unfortunately, they were unable to save her life. The deceased was a teac her who had only been employed for four years, teaching at Wat Sukhantharam School in Wang Noi District. Her family will hold a funeral service at Wat Rat Bamrung (Nong Pla Duk), Singhanat Subdistrict, Lat Bua Luang District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Initially, investigators charged Mr. Sarawut with the following offenses: murder, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license, carrying a firearm in a city, village, or public place without a license, firing a gun without justification in a city, village, or crowded area, and possession of a Category 1 narcotic (methamphetamine) without permission. Meanwhile, forensic officers examined the suspect for gunshot residue, latent fingerprints, and DNA to compare with the firearm used in the crime. He will be prosecuted according to the law.