Court Denies Bail to Fleeing Police Officer in Fatal Motorbike Crash
A police sergeant was denied bail after a Toyota Fortuner he was driving struck a motorcycle on September 2 in Phitsanulok, killing a 16-year-old and injuring two others; he fled but later turned himself in.
On September 7, Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pakaphumi Prapsribeephumi and Muang Phitsanulok Police Station Chief Watcharapong Sitthirungrojn announced progress in the case of a Toyota Fortuner that struck a motorcycle, killing 16-year-old "Kao Phan" and injuring two others in an early-morning collision on September 2. The driver fled the scene but police investigation identified the suspect as a police sergeant who subsequently turned himself in. He apologized to the victim's family and expressed willingness to pay compensation. Police filed two charges: reckless driving causing death and injury, and hit-and-run. The court rejected his bail request and ordered him held in custody pending further investigation.
Deputy Commander Pakaphumi stated that investigators are collecting additional evidence from the accident scene, including results of alcohol testing. Vehicle registration inconsistencies require clarification, as the suspect claimed he had recently purchased the vehicle. The investigating officer must verify ownership transfer details and transaction history to establish clear facts. The suspect's police unit, Region 6 Provincial Police, has established a disciplinary inquiry committee to investigate the officer's conduct.
Station Chief Watcharapong assured the public that police have diligently pursued the case from the outset, beginning with CCTV footage collection and tracking the suspect's vehicle route. By September 3, officers had mapped the vehicle's movements clearly. On September 4, police located the suspect receiving treatment at a hospital and coordinated his apprehension. He initially agreed to surrender on September 7 but turned himself in one day early.
Regarding the hit-and-run allegation, Watcharapong noted that preliminary investigation shows the suspect claimed panic after the collision caused him to drive away. However, investigators will weigh all available evidence. The suspect's physical condition—whether he was injured in the impact—requires medical examination at a hospital to be documented. Police confirmed they will comprehensively gather evidence including CCTV footage, witness statements, forensic analysis, and alcohol and drug test results.
