Picture from responders.

 

A dramatic car theft and police pursuit in Phitsanulok escalated into a violent altercation, leaving two police officers injured and the suspect apprehended after being shot.

 

The incident began when police received reports of a stolen white Mitsubishi Pajero, license plate from Uttaradit, that had bypassed a checkpoint in Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok. Officers from Highway Patrol Division 3, Unit 5, immediately launched a pursuit.

 

The chase ended near an oil depot in Tha Pho Subdistrict, Muang District, where the suspect's car was forced off the road. The vehicle crashed into a central divider, leaving it severely damaged.

 

The suspect, identified as Mr. Korakot Suriya, 31, from Chonburi Province, exited the vehicle armed with a knife. He charged at the officers, injuring two:

 

• Sergeant Major Prateep Mee-udorn sustained stab wounds to his left abdomen and left leg.

 

• Corporal Peera Watt Meesilarat suffered injuries to his right abdomen and left leg.

 

In the struggle to disarm the suspect, Sergeant Major Prateep retrieved an M16 rifle from the patrol car and fired two shots. The suspect was hit in the groin and right hand, rendering him unable to resist further arrest.

 

Emergency responders transported the injured officers to Phitsanulok Hospital, where their conditions were reported as stable. The suspect was taken to Buddhachinaraj Hospital under strict police supervision.

 

The stolen vehicle's owner, Mr. Patcharapong Narongchai, 46, reported that the suspect had posed as a potential buyer at a car dealership in Uttaradit. After test-driving the vehicle with a salesperson, the suspect drove away without completing the transaction. He also stopped at a gas station but fled without paying for fuel.

 

Police have charged the suspect with:

 

1. Theft

 

2. Attempted murder of law enforcement officers in the line of duty

 

Officers have been stationed at the hospital 24/7 to prevent the suspect from escaping before legal proceedings.

 

Authorities are continuing their investigation and preparing to prosecute the suspect to the fullest extent of the law.

 

-- 2024-12-11

 

 

 

shame the police guy was such a lousy shot.