Drug-Affected Man Shoots Two, Wounds Self During Arrest
A 29-year-old drug-affected man fired a modified gun at two people in Songkhla on July 9, grazing both victims, before accidentally shooting himself in the leg during police arrest negotiations.
Police arrested a drug-affected man who fired shots in a Songkhla neighborhood on July 9, injuring two people. He claimed to fear an attack from an acquaintance. During negotiations for surrender, he fired approximately three rounds before agreeing to hand over his weapon after speaking with his mother. However, while clearing a round from the chamber as instructed by police, the gun discharged and struck his own leg.
When officers arrived at Roomjai Community, Soi 8 behind Rong Wat Temple on Chai-Phetchmongkol Road, they found Khata, 29, standing in front of the victims' home with a gun. Police cordoned off a 200-meter radius and negotiated his surrender. Authorities recovered a modified blank gun converted to fire .380 ammunition and seized additional rounds.
The two injured victims—Sarawut, 28, grazed on the buttock, and Chirapa Rattanasriranod, 19, grazed on the chin—were treated at Songkhla Hospital for non-serious wounds.
According to the victim's sister, the suspect is her brother's friend who appeared paranoid and believed her brother intended to harm him, prompting him to arrive armed. Police charged Khata with five offenses: attempted murder, attempted murder of a government official, obstruction of duty, illegal firearm possession, and unauthorized firearm carrying. He was transferred to Muang Songkhla Police Station for further legal proceedings.
