Bangkok: Police are on the hunt for a rider who pulled over a motorcycle, resulting in a passenger falling and hitting her head on the ground. The incident unfolded when a rider fled from a helmet checkpoint, leading to a police chase. The officer grabbed the rider's arm, causing the motorcycle to fall, and the female passenger was injured in front of a shopping mall. The passenger's brother has insisted on filing a report against the police.
According to Thai News Agency, a car's dashcam captured the moment a Pathumwan police officer pursued a rider with a female passenger on the back of a motorcycle. When the officer grabbed the rider's arm, the motorcycle lost control and fell, causing the passenger to hit her head on the ground. The injured woman's brother subsequently filed a complaint at Pathumwan Police Station, accusing the traffic policeman of causing the incident. He explained that his sister had called a rider to pick her up at Samyan Intersection to travel to Phaya Thai. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer, believed to be checking for helmet violations, intercepted them. The rider, who was wearing a helmet while the passenger was not, attempted to flee, leading to the pursuit and subsequent accident.
The brother of the injured woman stated that, following the incident, the police commander issued an apology, but he remained firm on pressing charges. He did not hold any grudge against the rider, who admitted guilt and offered to cover medical expenses. The passenger sustained a swollen and bruised head and abrasions on her shoulder, while the rider suffered an abrasion on his knee.
Pol. Col. Sirichat Chanprommas, chief of Pathumwan Police Station, disclosed that the rider ran a red light, prompting the traffic police to intercept him. The actions of the officer involved are under review to determine their appropriateness. The rider faces charges on four counts: running a red light, not wearing a helmet, failing to comply with an officer's order, and lacking a public driver's license.
In recent developments, Pol. Lt. Gen. Siam Boonsom, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, personally apologized to the injured passenger's relatives. The National Police Chief announced an ongoing investigation into the police officers' conduct and assured that any wrongdoings will be addressed. The injured passengers will be provided with full care and support.