Man kidnaps wife at gunpoint, police rescue ends in fatal shootout

A man kidnapped his wife at gunpoint, fleeing across districts to hide at a friend’s hut. Police surrounded the location, leading to a shootout that resulted in one fatality.

Police officers in Chiang Rai collaborated to rescue a hostage yesterday, July 10. Under the command of Manop Senakul, Santi Kongsamak, and Pipat Naradet, the operation was executed with precision.

The incident began when police received a report from the Chiang Rai City Police Station about a man who had forcibly entered a house in Rong Wiang Subdistrict, Chiang Rai, and kidnapped his wife, Pa (alias), at gunpoint. The suspect was identified as Phong (alias).

The investigation revealed that Phong had fired a single shot into the house before abducting his wife and escaping in a car. The police tracked the vehicle to Huai San Akha Village in Pong Phrae Subdistrict, Mae Lao District, Chiang Rai.

This area, known for its high-altitude pineapple farms, was believed to be the hiding spot of Thak (alias), a known criminal wanted for drug trafficking and a close associate of Phong.

As officers approached Thak’s hut, a gunshot was heard. The police surrounded the hut, announcing their presence and demanding the occupants to surrender. However, the individuals inside fired back. Two men were seen fleeing the hut, pointing firearms at the police.

In the ensuing confrontation, one of the suspects, later identified as Thak, was shot and fell. The officers provided first aid and seized a.38-caliber pistol from Thak’s right hand, along with a spent shell casing. Thak was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

Phong, the 43 year old second suspect, was apprehended north of the hut. Phong was the estranged husband of Pa and the primary perpetrator of the kidnapping. He faced multiple charges, including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, unlawful use of a firearm, carrying a firearm in public without a permit, and trespassing without justifiable cause.

Fatal shootout

Pa was rescued unharmed from the hut. The success of the operation was attributed to the policy implemented by Manop Senakul and Phattarapong Konsamak, which aimed to establish special armed units in every police station within Chiang Rai.

These units, composed of 10 officers selected from investigative and crime suppression teams, underwent joint training to effectively handle severe incidents in their jurisdictions and collaborate with other stations, reported KhaoSod.

The National Police Office’s policy underscored the importance of preparedness and coordination in dealing with high-risk situations, ensuring the safety of both officers and the public.