Man Attacks Officer During Arrest After Prowling Cars in Phatthalung
A man who was prowling parked cars and attempting to remove license plates in Phatthalung attacked a police officer who arrived to arrest him, breaking the officer's tooth during the struggle.
At 12:20 p.m. on July 22, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Manit Wanchueay of Muang Phatthalung Police Station and patrol officers responded to reports of suspicious activity on Chaiyaburi Road in Kao Chiak Subdistrict, Muang District, Phatthalung Province. Residents had reported an unknown man exhibiting unusual behavior, walking around and examining parked vehicles along the roadway in a manner that caused public alarm.
Investigators found the man had parked a Honda Wave 100 motorcycle on the roadside and knocked it over before walking among several parked cars. He bent down to peer through windows into the vehicles and attempted to remove license plates from private cars, prompting frightened residents to call police for assistance.
When officers arrived, the man had already walked approximately 800 meters from the initial location. Deputy Superintendent Manit approached and attempted to communicate with him, but the suspect spoke only Malay and became aggressive. The man punched the officer in the face with significant force, breaking his tooth during the encounter. Other patrol officers quickly intervened, subdued the suspect after a period of resistance, and took him into custody. The suspect sustained facial abrasions during the apprehension.
The suspect was identified as Hussein, 49, from Pattani Province. Medics provided emergency first aid before transporting him to Phatthalung Hospital for treatment. Investigators charged him with assaulting a government officer performing his duty and damaging private property. Police are continuing to investigate the man's motive, background, and travel history into Phatthalung Province, as well as determining whether he is connected to any other crimes.
