Profile of the suspect armed with a firearm evading arrest in the area. Lat Lum Kaeo Following a dispute with his wife, the suspect shot at a rescue vehicle in Chonburi before taking his father-in-law hostage. Police stated they are taking the matter seriously, have filed serious charges, and mobilized forces to apprehend him.
On 18 Feb 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Peeraphol Chotikasathien, Commander of Pathum Thani Provincial Police, deployed suppression and investigative teams across six police stations to coordinate and disseminate information about the manhunt for the suspect, Mr. Nopparat Jeento or "L," 31, who shot a rescue vehicle in Huai Yai, Chonburi Province. Afterward, he took his father-in-law hostage in Lat Lum Kaeo District, Pathum Thani Province. Police searched his residence there but he escaped with a firearm. Several local schools were urgently closed due to safety concerns, as previously reported.Lat Lum Kaeo authorities intensify efforts to locate armed suspect evading arrest.)
Pol. Maj. Gen. Peeraphol Chotikasathien revealed that, following online reports of an armed man in Lat Lum Kaeo and the closure of 13 schools causing local concern, investigations determined the suspect's issues stemmed from domestic problems between him and his wife.
It was learned they had a quarrel inside a vehicle while transporting kratom leaves from Pathum Thani to deliver to customers in Chonburi.At one point, the vehicle was parkedin a no-parking zone, and rescue personnel arrived to ask that it be moved elsewhere. This led to a conflict resulting in the suspect firing at the rescue workers.
His wife was reportedly injured and hospitalized.. In Chonburi, after the incident, Mr. Nopparat returned to his home in Lat Lum Kaeo, Pathum Thani, where he lives with his parents. In anger, he took his father-in-law—who lives directly opposite—as a hostage, demanding his wife come to meet him. Police learned that the wife had filed a complaint against him, which fueled his anger and triggered the incident.
Initial investigations found the motive to be a domestic dispute with his wife leading to his anger and actions. Regarding reports of the suspect brandishing a firearm at a school, police have no confirmation as no official report has been received; only reports of his behavior exist. Nevertheless, authorities are treating the case seriously, ordering all units to expedite the investigation and apprehend the suspect, who is considered dangerous due to carrying a firearm.
Regarding his background, Mr. Nopparat Jeento, or "L," 31, has previous convictions related to property crimes and drug offenses in Prachinburi Province. After serving his sentence, he committed the current offenses. Authorities have charged him with "attempted murder of a public servant assisting an officer performing duties, possession of firearms and ammunition without authorization, carrying firearms in public without permission,and use of firearms in urgent situations,and discharging a firearm in a city, village, or community without cause."
