Here is some fruit, sorry we shot you

[Soi Dog]

Russian Pedestrian shot by Police as they chase two bag snatchers in Jomtien
Posted on December 15, 2014



A 27 year old Russian Tourist is facing up to 6 months of rehabilitation after she was shot in her ankle as Police chased two suspected bag snatchers in Jomtien.

The incident began late on Saturday Night on Jomtien Second Road where the two suspects, Khun Akkarapon aged 18 and a 17 year old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, are accused of stealing a bag containing 6,000 Baht in cash from Miss Tatina Loudin aged 42, a Russian National.

As the two men attempted to escape they were chased by Police and continually refused to stop despite Police shouting at them and threatening to shoot them if they continued to attempt their escape.

As the chase approached the Tepprasit Road junction with Jomtien Second Road, one of the chasing officers opened fire and the two suspects fell from their bike and were arrested. The 17 year old boy was taken to Hospital suffering from leg injuries and remains there at this time. Later the suspects confessed to snatching the bag as they needed money to celebrate the forthcoming New Year.

A nearby parked pick-up truck had been hit by a stray bullet but Officers were shocked when they heard the screams of a Russian woman, Miss Elena Sarycmeva aged 27, who was on the ground in a pool of blood. A closer inspection revealed she had been shot in the ankle, presumably from a mis-targeted bullet from a Police Officer’s gun. She was taken to the Pattaya Memorial Hospital where she required emergency surgery to insert a metal plate in her ankle. Doctors confirmed she would need up to 6 months of ongoing treatment for her injury.

Police Major General Nittipong, the Provincial Police Commander visited her on Sunday and confirmed the Royal Thai Police would entirely cover all medical and repatriation expenses and he was truly sorry for the mistake made by his officers.

- See more at: http://www.pattayaone.net/pattaya-news/ ... 7avK2.dpuf

[Cowshed Cowboy]

That's close to home to me, to be firing off shots in what is a very built up area is a bit ridiculous. The Russians must have arrived, one the robbery victim and the other shot by the police. Perfect bit of marketing for tourist safety.

[Soi Dog]

I hate seeing robbers get away, and it's good to see the police taking action, but perhaps rubber bullets are in order in built-up areas?