Gun-toting Phuket cop suspended, charged
The gun-happy policeman in Phuket who injured a noodle vendor on Tuesday in a pub brawl has been suspended from duty and faces three charges.
After arguing with some foreign patrons at a pub, the off-duty cop came out to shoot in the air as a warning in the early hours of Tuesday.
CCTV images show one of the shots caught noodle vendor Arun Thongplub, 25, who immediately fell to the floor. After that the cop approached the victim and shot him again.
The incident took place in Soi Bang La in Kathu district’s Patong area.
Arun, who was shot in his armpit and back, was taken to Patong hospital for treatment. His condition is of concern.
The off-duty cop, who police said was drunk and incomprehensible at the time of arrest, was taken to Patong Police Station.
He has been suspended and will be charged for attempted murder, carrying a gun publicly without permission and shooting for no reason. The cop is under detention.