A POLICEMAN shot dead a would-be thief as they battled in the jungle on the hillside below a landmark Phuket temple early today.
The man who was shot dead is believed to have been fleeing after his attempt to rob a Buddhist temple at Kohn Sireh was interrupted by the policeman.
Forensic police, the Public Prosecutor and Phuket City Police Superintendent Colonel Wanchai Eakportip were at the scene of the shooting today, highlight concern about a fatal incident involving an officer.
The name of the officer and his victim have yet to be released.
Yesterday marked the Kathina Festival, a day when Buddhists offer donations at temples all over Phuket. Because of previous thefts at the Koh Sireh Temple, which sits at the top of a steep hill, a police officer was asked to stand guard last night.
About 1.25am, according to Phuket City police sources, the officer heard a man hammering at the temple door with a large wooden staff, apparently attempting a break-in.
Confronted by the officer, the man turned and took off down the hillside. As the officer descended, the police source said, the man waited in ambush then sprang out and attacked the officer with the staff.
The policeman drew his gun and fired four shots, the source said, killing his assailant.
Colonel Wanchai said today that police were becoming increasingly concerned about gangs where Burmese and Thais combined to commit thefts and robberies.
Coroner to Revisit Phuket One-Two-Go Crash QuestionsThe man who was shot dead is believed to have been fleeing after his attempt to rob a Buddhist temple at Kohn Sireh was interrupted by the policeman.
Forensic police, the Public Prosecutor and Phuket City Police Superintendent Colonel Wanchai Eakportip were at the scene of the shooting today, highlight concern about a fatal incident involving an officer.
The name of the officer and his victim have yet to be released.
Yesterday marked the Kathina Festival, a day when Buddhists offer donations at temples all over Phuket. Because of previous thefts at the Koh Sireh Temple, which sits at the top of a steep hill, a police officer was asked to stand guard last night.
About 1.25am, according to Phuket City police sources, the officer heard a man hammering at the temple door with a large wooden staff, apparently attempting a break-in.
Confronted by the officer, the man turned and took off down the hillside. As the officer descended, the police source said, the man waited in ambush then sprang out and attacked the officer with the staff.
The policeman drew his gun and fired four shots, the source said, killing his assailant.
Colonel Wanchai said today that police were becoming increasingly concerned about gangs where Burmese and Thais combined to commit thefts and robberies.
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So the police can now shoot dead a man "suspected" of attempted burglary?
Wow, where next?
Posted by wellington on November 7, 2010 10:25
Editor Comment:
If you were in fear of your life and being beaten with a wooden staff, what would you do, Wellington?
Run?