Saraburi: A 43-year-old man was arrested following the fatal shooting of a motorcycle mechanic at a garage. The incident unfolded after the man, identified as Mr. Petch, claimed that the owner of the repair shop had repeatedly threatened and abused his son. The police have filed two charges against Mr. Petch, while the deceased's relatives suggest the shooting may have been influenced by drug use.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Petch used a 9mm gun to shoot the shop owner, Mr. Thirawat, also known as Kae, who was 32 years old. The shooting took place at a motorcycle repair shop located in Village 3, Tambon Hor Thep, Amphoe Ban Mo, in Saraburi Province. Mr. Thirawat sustained three gunshot wounds - one in the neck, one in the left chest, and one in the right chest. He succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
Following the incident, Ban Mo Police Station officers, along with an investigative team, inspected the scene and collected two bullet casings as evidence. Mr. Petch initially fled the scene on a white Honda motorcycle. Police later discovered the motorcycle abandoned in a rice field hut approximately 2 kilometers from the garage. Mr. Petch was eventually apprehended without resistance and appeared weak. He disclosed that he had discarded the gun in a ditch, which police later recovered based on his confession.
Mr. Petch explained that the shooting stemmed from ongoing harassment by Mr. Thirawat, who allegedly threatened to harm his son and expose him to methamphetamines. Mr. Petch claimed he purchased the firearm for 50,000 baht, waiting for an opportunity to confront Mr. Thirawat. Conversely, relatives of Mr. Thirawat argued that the accused was hallucinating due to drug use at the time of the shooting.
Subsequent to his arrest, Mr. Petch was taken to Ban Mo Police Station for interrogation. Drug tests indicated the presence of amphetamines, and he reportedly experienced hallucinations. The charges against him include intentional murder and carrying a firearm in a public area without just cause. In line with legal procedures, Mr. Petch was made to reenact the crime for the police before being detained.