CHON BURI: A 35-year-old man was arrested and charged for allegedly attacking a Russian teacher who was found in a confused and distressed state with injuries on Wednesday, police said.
The man, who was not identified, was arrested at a house in Bang Lamung district on Thursday night. The arrest came after police identified a suspected vehicle, a white Mazda pick-up truck, and tracked it down at a housing project in tambon Nong Prue.
Police found that the vehicle was following the Russian woman before the attack took place.
Police said the man admitted he had attacked Elena Yzulkova, 38, who was jogging near Mab Prachan reservoir in tambon Nong Prue. He told police during questioning that he was stressed out and wanted to let off steam.
Pol Lt Col Thatchakorn Chaiyasit, an investigator, said Ms Yzulkova's condition had improved but she did not remember the details of the attack, so police would take her statement at a later time.
Pol Lt Col Thatchakorn said the suspect was being detained for further questioning and his vehicle was being examined for evidence.
Ms Yzulkova was wearing a jogging suit and had head injuries, bruises to her neck and abrasions all over her body when she flagged down a motorist and asked for help on Wednesday night, according to police.
When asked about the injuries, she said she could not remember what happened. Police later found a blood trail leading 10 metres into woodland beside the road, along with a pair of running shoes and a mobile phone, both hers.
Ms Yzulkova, a teacher at a local school, regularly jogs at the reservoir's public park with a friend during the evening. However, on the day of the incident she was alone as her friend couldn't join her, police said.
The park is open 24 hours but does not have a security guard on duty, police added.