Bangkok: A man who went on a shooting spree has apologized, claiming it was due to drug-induced hallucinations. Police took a deranged man who went on a shooting spree, hitting a female teacher's car and killing her in front of her child, to the detention facility. Before getting into the car, he gave a short response: "I'm sorry."
According to Thai News Agency, police at Lat Bua Luang Police Station brought in Mr. Sarawut, a man who went berserk, crashed his big bike, and then fired a gun at civilians and vehicles on the road along Khlong Phaya Mueang Canal in Lat Bua Luang District on April 26th. Tragically, an innocent person, Ms. Paphassara, 44, a teacher at Wat Sukhantharam School, was killed in front of her aunt and two children. A search of Mr. Sarawut's person revealed three methamphetamine pills. When asked by reporters if he felt remorse, he replied, "I am remorseful and want to apologize to the victim's family." He admitted to hallucinating from drug use but couldn't remember how many pills he took. However, he refused to disclose who owned the gun or where he obtained it, claiming he was "stressed and didn't want to talk anymore." Authorities considered taking the suspect to reenact the crime but, fearing for his safety due to the victim's angry relatives, canceled the reenactment and instead took him for further questioning . The suspect was then taken to court for detention.
Initially, the authorities charged the suspect with: intentional homicide, attempted homicide, possession of firearms and ammunition without a license, carrying a firearm in a public place without justification, firing a gun in a public place without cause, and property damage.
At Wat Rat Bamrung (Nong Pla Duk), Singhanat Subdistrict, where the funeral rites for Ms. Paphassara are being held, the atmosphere was filled with sadness. Family members, relatives, friends, teachers, and students continuously arrived to pay their respects, offer condolences, and express their sorrow.