'Popcorn gunman' denies weapons charges
The so-called "Popcorn gunman" who had earlier confessed to firing at Lak Si intersection on the eve of the February 2 general election denied the charges in court yesterday.
Wiwat “Top” Yodprasit, 24, had been charged with attempted murder, illegally possessing guns and ammunition, carrying guns and ammunition to public places without permission and carrying a weapon to areas where a state of emergency had been imposed.
The lawsuit said Wiwat shot into the IT Square shopping mall in Bangkok’s Lak Si district and seriously wounded four people.
The suspect, who is being detained at Bangkok Remand Prison, was taken to court yesterday, where he denied all charges and submitted written testimony. His lawyer later requested permission to defer evidence examination, citing the need for more time. The next hearing is scheduled for October 13.
Wiwat was arrested in Surat Thani on March 19. An arrest warrant was issued for him after an assailant fired a M16 gun wrapped in a popcorn bag during a clash between People’s Democratic Reform Committee protesters and red-shirt supporters at Lak Si intersection on February 1.
