Pattaya: "Sergeant Joe" apologized to the victim and their family after getting drunk and shooting the owner of a marijuana shop, claiming the incident happened very quickly. Pattaya police brought him to court for remand today.

According to Thai News Agency, the case involves Police Lieutenant Jirasak, 54, known as "Sergeant Joe," a police investigator from Pattaya City Police Station. While intoxicated and out of control, he shot and killed Mr. Pattharath, 41, the owner of a marijuana shop located on Walking Street, South Pattaya, Chonburi Province. Initially, he has been charged with homicide and violations of the Firearms Act, which include firing a gun in a public place and carrying a firearm in a public place without justification. A disciplinary investigation has been launched, and he has been immediately dismissed from the police force.

Investigators from Pattaya City Police Station brought Lieutenant Joe into the investigation room, where he normally works. Police only stated that he was being taken to work and did not permit media access. It is understood that the investigation team, where Lieutenant Joe is employed, needs to prepare a report for their superiors detailing the investigation. This procedure requires photographing Lieutenant Joe and completing the report according to standard protocol.

Sergeant Major Joe refused to give a statement during police questioning. He is scheduled to appear before the Pattaya Provincial Court this afternoon. After providing a statement for over an hour, Sergeant Major Joe exited the interrogation room, briefly apologizing to the deceased and their family, stating the incident happened very quickly, before being taken to the holding cell at Pattaya City Police Station.