Phatthalung: Police have nabbed one of the four suspects wanted in connection with a gunfight with police in this southern province that left one officer dead and two others injured.
The shooting took place at the Ban Tha Nang Phrom Intersection in tambon Khok Muang of Khao Chaison district on Wednesday when police tried to arrest alleged members of a narcotics gang led by Jamras Rakchan, alias Chui Khaochan.
The operation resulted in a car chase and the gunfight, in which Pol Snr Sgt Maj Anan Meesaeng was shot dead and two other policemen were wounded. One of the suspects was killed and two others injured. Mr Jamras reportedly fled.
Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk, chief of the national police who travelled to Phatthalung to supervise the probe yesterday, said Pongsakorn Suwanmano, 22, was arrested and charged with killing an officer.
A manhunt was under way for the three others who were identified as Atthapol Mai-on, 21, Kriangkrai Chaiyapool, 27, and Mr Jamras, Pol Gen Suwat said.
Four vehicles, four guns and some ammunition were seized from the scene and forensic officials were gathering more evidence, he said.
Pol Gen Suwat and Pol Lt Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, commissioner of the Central Investigation Bureau, also joined the interrogation of Mr Pongsakorn.
Pol Gen Suwat said Mr Pongsakorn gave a useful statement and the suspect admitted that he was instructed by Mr Jamras to attack the police to avoid the arrest.
Phatthalung reportedly has seven major drug networks and one of them is linked to Mr Jamras.