The suspect who shot a dart at a police officer in Maha Sarakham, injuring him through the cheek, has been captured. He has a history as a former suspect in forest arson and drug cases. Tags: [crime, police shooting, Maha Sarakham, forest arson, drug offenses]
On 13 Apr 2026, following an incident where a suspect wearing a knit cap to conceal his face ambushed and shot an improvised dart weapon at a police officer, seriously injuring him at the Chiang Yuen municipality service point in Maha Sarakham on the evening of 12 Apr 2026. Tags: [police injury, improvised weapon, Maha Sarakham, attack]
The incident occurred behind Wat Patchim in Chiang Yuen district, Maha Sarakham, while officers were on duty ensuring public safety. The suspect approached on a motorcycle with a sidecar under cover of darkness, then used a bamboo tube-like weapon to blow poison-coated or metal-tipped darts at the police officer, striking through the cheekbone and causing serious injury. The suspect then fled quickly into the dark. Tags: [attack, police injury, improvised weapon, Chiang Yuen, Maha Sarakham]
Pol. Maj. Gen. Phaladeth Petchwango, Commander of Maha Sarakham Provincial Police, revealed that authorities have identified the suspect as Mr. Mongkol, 45, from Chiang Yuen district, Maha Sarakham. He has a prior record involving forest arson. After the incident, Mr. Mongkol fled about one kilometer on the sidecar motorcycle before abandoning the vehicle and all equipment to change his escape route. Authorities warned the public to exercise caution if they encounter him, as he is considered dangerous and skilled in using improvised weapons to harm officers covertly. Tags: [police statement, suspect identification, public warning, Maha Sarakham]
Police from Chiang Yuen station, together with the Maha Sarakham Provincial Police investigation unit, conducted a two-hour operation to surround and arrest Mr. Mongkol at his home. He was taken to the Chiang Yuen police station for questioning. The motive remains unclear, with investigations ongoing to determine whether it stems from personal conflict or repercussions related to the forest arson and drug cases. Tags: [arrest, investigation, Chiang Yuen police, motive inquiry]