Cop killer on the run: Drug suspect flees after deadly shootout
Police are searching for a drug suspect who fatally shot a police officer during an attempted arrest at a rubber plantation in the northeastern province of Loei yesterday.
Police Sub-Lieutenant Pairoj Prom-in, along with the drug suppression unit of Mueang Loei Police Station, swooped on the plantation in the Kokdu subdistrict, Mueang district, Loei, at around 12pm yesterday, April 10, to apprehend the suspect, 33 year old Boonkird Singdaecha.
Boonkird had reportedly been distributing drugs in the area for over a year following his release from prison. He had previously served two sentences for drug-related offences and the illegal manufacture of firearms.
After his release, he worked at the plantation, and police suspected he was storing illegal items in a wooden house on the premises.
When confronted, Boonkird refused to cooperate and fled deeper into the plantation. At one point, he turned and fired randomly at the police. One bullet struck Pairoj, causing him to collapse.
Officers split into two teams, one to tend to Pairoj and the other to pursue Boonkird. Pairoj sustained a gunshot wound to the chest, with the bullet exiting through his back. He later died at the scene. Meanwhile, Boonkird managed to evade capture.
A search of the plantation uncovered 1,000 methamphetamine tablets, also known as Yaba, in Boonkird’s possession, along with three firearms and four bullets.
Royal Thai Police spokesperson Archayon Kraithong stated yesterday that RTP Commissioner Kitrat Panphet expressed his condolences to Pairoj’s family and instructed officers to apprehend Boonkird as a matter of urgency.
Boonkird was last seen fleeing to a main road, where he reportedly contacted a friend to pick him up. Police have yet to release further updates on his escape route.
Amarin TV reported that Police Region 4 Commander Chatchai Surachatepong authorised officers to use lethal force should Boonkird continue to resist arrest. In a media interview, he said:
“More than 200 armed officers from Mueang Loei Police Station are involved in the search for Boonkird. All police stations in the province set up traffic checkpoints to monitor the suspect. As the perpetrator is armed, officers must protect themselves and respond following the law.
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