Drug-Crazed Man Crashes Motorcycle, Opens Fire on Vehicles; Woman Shot Dead, Seven Cars Damaged
A drug-affected man on a motorcycle opened fire on vehicles along a canal road in Ayutthaya on April 26, killing a 44-year-old woman and damaging seven vehicles before police arrested him.
On April 26, Deputy Commander (Investigation) Wirot Setchang of Ladbualuang Police Station in Ayutthaya received a report of a deranged man using a firearm to shoot at vehicles traveling along Phraya Banlue Canal Road in Ladbualuang District, Ayutthaya Province. The incident resulted in one death, injuries to others, and damage to multiple vehicles. Police coordinated with emergency responders and the Ayutthaya United Association to assist victims.
At the scene, officers found a white Honda sedan with Bangkok license plates with gunshot damage near the driver's side door. The bullets penetrated the vehicle, striking the female driver critically. She was rushed to Ladbualuang Hospital but died shortly after. The victim was identified as Ms. Patthasara (surname withheld), 44, a Ladbualuang resident. Another victim, Mr. Wallop (surname withheld), 60, was shot in the arm.
Authorities apprehended the suspect, identified as Mr. Sarawut (surname withheld), 35, from Pathumthani Province, along with a black Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle and three methamphetamine pills. Background checks revealed previous drug-related convictions. The suspect was unable to give an initial statement due to injuries and was admitted to hospital for treatment and drug testing.
Investigations at the scene revealed seven damaged vehicles: four trucks, two sedans, and one pickup truck. Mr. Udomthai, 46, a truck driver, stated that while hauling soil, he saw the suspect speeding on his motorcycle before losing control and crashing multiple times. The suspect then stood up, drew a firearm, and fired multiple shots at his truck, hitting the front windshield approximately five times. The driver fled while shouting warnings to other vehicles.
Mr. Puwanai, 39, another truck driver, reported seeing the suspect standing in the middle of the road aiming and firing at a ten-wheel truck, hitting the windshield once. He immediately drove away. Mr. Seri, 40, a nearby shop owner, heard dozens of continuous gunshots and saw truck drivers fleeing into his shop, prompting him to quickly close the door in fear of stray bullets.
Authorities are coordinating with forensic teams to conduct detailed investigation at the scene, collect evidence, and analyze bullet trajectories before proceeding with legal charges.
