TRANG - A young man who opened fire at a motorcyclist he had quarrelled with and instead killed the man's 12-year-old stepson riding pillion was caught in Na Yong district in the early hours of Friday, after two days on the run.
Khathayut Taemthao, 20, admitted to having shot dead Thanaphum “Nong Por’’ Thongjaeng, 12, on Naphod-Khuan Sinuan Road in tambon Na Khaosia in Na Yong district on the night of Sept 27, police said.
Khathayut Taemthao, 20, sits handcuffed at Na Yong police station in Trang early on Friday after being arrested for shooting dead a 12-year-old. (Photo by Methee Muangkaew)
The boy was riding pillion on a motorcycle driven by his stepfather Anupong Khikkham, 25, when the shooting occurred. The suspect opened fire at Mr Anupong shortly after having quarreled with him about a motorcycle crash. He missed and hit the boy instead.
Police tracked him down after examining footage from a surveillance camera near the scene and questioning witnesses.
He was arrested at a house in Na Yong district around 1.30am on Friday, said Pol Col Chairot Phoprathom, the district police chief.
Mr Khathayut told police he had fled into hiding in a rubber plantation after shooting the boy. He then went to stay at a relative’s house, where he was apprehended.
The suspect had been charged with murder and illegal possession of a gun and carrying a weapon in a public area without a permit, said Pol Col Chairot.