Man Caught with Handgun and 644 Rounds of Ammunition After Attempting to Flee Police

Picture of arrest

A 52-year-old man was arrested in Chumphon after attempting to evade a police checkpoint, leading officers to discover a handgun and 644 rounds of ammunition in his car.

Police from Highway Patrol Division 2, led by Pol. Col. Phakphol Suchon, Pol. Lt. Col. Narongrit Ngamchaeng, and Pol. Lt. Col. Kla Sombatpiboon, stopped the suspect, identified as Mr. Suwit, on the Asia Highway at kilometre marker 69-70 in Tha Mapla, Lang Suan district. He now faces charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public without permission.

Officers initially noticed a Toyota car with an expired tax disc being driven at high speed. When police signalled for the driver to stop, he attempted to evade them by accelerating and changing lanes erratically. This prompted officers to pursue and intercept the vehicle.

During the stop, Mr. Suwit displayed nervous behaviour, raising suspicions. A search of the vehicle’s boot uncovered a .38 calibre Taurus handgun, a magazine for a .22 calibre firearm, and a total of 644 rounds of ammunition: 143 rounds of .38 calibre, 500 rounds of .22 calibre, and a single 9mm round.

Upon questioning, Mr. Suwit admitted that the firearms and ammunition belonged to him, claiming they were for self-defence and the protection of his property. However, he failed to provide legal authorisation for their possession.

The suspect was taken into custody and transferred to Lang Suan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

-- 2025-03-18