Air Force officer shot in bungled theft in US
THE ROYAL Thai Air Force confirmed yesterday that one of its officers attending a joint military exercise in the US had been injured in a San Francisco shooting last week, which was followed by a car chase. Two men have been arrested for allegedly trying
Though the officer was not named, the Air Force said he was part of a 45-strong group that had travelled to participate in the Red Flag – Alaska, a 10-day air combat exercise held from August 6 to 23. A C-130 aircraft had also been taken for the exercises.
The shooting took place on August 25 as the group stopped over in San Francisco on their way back home. The Air Force said that while the group was checking out the sights in San Francisco, a man snatched the camera of the officer and ran away.
The officer began chasing the robber when another suspect shot at him from a waiting car, hitting him in the arm.
The victim has undergone treatment and is scheduled to return to Bangkok with the rest of the team today.
The Air Force has been attacked on social media, with people saying it wasting money sending officers and C-130 aircraft to the US on a pleasure trip. However, it has dismissed the reports and warned those posting “such groundless reports” of legal action.