Two injured as policeman’s gun fires accidentally in bank
A police lieutenant whose gun accidentally went off in a bank in Rayong’s Banchang district wounding two people, will face a charge of negligence causing injuries on Tuesday.
Banchang police commander Jakkarin Tuasuparb said yesterday that Pol Lieutenant Nikom Pan-iam was very upset about the accident and has accepted full responsibility.
Nikom was providing security at Siam Commercial Bank’s Banchang branch on Sukhumvit Road at about 9am when the incident happened.
He was removing his gun before going to a toilet at the back of the bank. The gun fired when it accidentally fell on the floor.
The bullet went through a wall and hit Chanetthip Pusuwan, a bank staff on the shoulder and Thanet Nuansri, a customer, on the body.
Both were rushed to a nearby hospital. Their conditions are considered stable.
Jakkarin said that forensic officials have already collected evidence and talked to witnesses at the bank. It appeared that the incident was accidental but as it caused injuries to people Nikom will be charged with negligence that caused serious injuries.
The penalty is a jail term of not more than three years.
The provincial police chief plans to visit the injured in hospital on Wednesday. Nikom’s family has been instructed to keep a close eye on him as he was seriously upset.
Nikom had reportedly worked in the area for a long time and was considered to be a hard-working police officer.