Crime Armed Robbery at Chonburi Gold Shop – Off-Duty Police Officer Injured

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

A brazen armed robbery occurred at the Lotus Baan Suan shopping complex in Chonburi’s Mueang District on the morning of 26 June, with a gold shop targeted and a police officer injured in a dramatic attempt to apprehend the fleeing suspect.

 

The incident occurred at the Yaowarat Gold Shop, where an armed man stormed in shortly after 08:55, seizing gold with a total weight of 38 baht, comprising two 10-baht chains and two 9-baht chains. The stolen items are valued at nearly two million baht.

 

The suspect, believed to be a man in his 30s of medium build, made his getaway on a black Honda Click motorcycle, exiting via a rear entrance and heading towards the bypass road.

 

 

As the suspect attempted to flee, he encountered Police Senior Sergeant Major Sompong Fongda of Region 2 Police’s Special Operations Subdivision, who happened to be passing the scene on his own motorbike while off duty. In a courageous move, Sgt. Maj. Sompong confronted the armed robber, resulting in a violent struggle.

 

Reports state that the suspect opened fire during the confrontation. One bullet struck the officer’s helmet and he was thrown to the ground, sustaining abrasions across his body. The suspect’s firearm, identified as a Kimber-brand pistol, was left at the scene, apparently dropped during the scuffle.

Emergency services arrived swiftly and Sgt. Maj. Sompong received immediate medical attention, but his injuries are not serious.

 

The suspect remains at large and a manhunt has been launched involving multiple police units. CCTV footage from the shopping centre and surrounding roads is being reviewed as investigators track the escape route.

 

According to eyewitnesses, including a vendor across from the gold shop, the assailant appeared to have planned the heist in advance, waiting for the right moment to strike.

 

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the robbery to come forward and assist with the investigation.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-06-26

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

One very lucky police officer.... 

[tandor]

that was a close call..brave work Sergeant.

 

[black tabby12345]

I know these men in uniform here  leave their service weapons at their station when they get off their shift.

 

But no execeptions in any circumstances?

[CanadaSam]

Wow, I didn't know helmets can stop bullets!  Lucky cop!