Lat bua luang: The owner of the gun used by a man who went on a shooting spree in the Lat Bua Luang district has been identified as a retired police officer. The incident, which occurred in the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, involved a 35-year-old suspect named Sarawut, who was apprehended along with evidence, including a black big bike motorcycle.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Theerameth Thepwichaisilpakul, the District Chief of Lat Bua Luang, disclosed the investigation findings. The firearm, a 9mm pistol, was legally registered under a police welfare program since 2008. The retired officer, who registered it in Khon Kaen Province, was found to have the gun in his name. However, the suspect, Sarawut, was not the registered owner, prompting authorities to investigate how the firearm ended up in his possession.
Officials are working to verify the permit holder's identity by contacting the Ubon Rat district office in Khon Kaen province. They aim to inspect the firearm and check for any irregularities in the registration process. If discrepancies are found, it could point to potential forgery or mishandling of the firearm's registration. The investigation will also determine whether the firearm was reported lost according to official procedures.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are questioning the suspect, whose statements have been inconsistent. Sarawut initially confessed to traveling from Pathum Thani province to visit his girlfriend in Suphan Buri province, admitting to consuming methamphetamine pills before the shooting. Despite the arrest and ongoing interrogation, no relatives have visited him.
Police are assessing security measures for a possible reenactment of the crime. They have gathered sufficient evidence, including witness accounts and forensic materials, to move forward with the legal proceedings against the suspect.