Cop shoots self by accident

WICHIT: A police officer on a solo stakeout on Monday accidentally shot himself in the wrist, the Gazette has learned.

Following up a report that an officer had been shot by motorcycle thieves, the Gazette today spoke to Sgt Rakchart Suksrinuan of the Phuket City Police.

Speaking from a hospital bed at Vachira Phuket Hospital, where he is being treated, Sgt Rakchart denied that he was shot by teenagers suspected of stealing a motorbike in Hok Huad, Wichit – as reported by Thai press earlier this week.

“I accidentally shot myself. I had a report of a missing motorbike in the area, so I went to investigate. I found the motorcycle, then hid behind some trees for a few hours waiting for the thieves to return.

“When three teenagers approached the stolen bike, I was positive they were the thieves, so I identified myself as a police officer. They ran off, so I gave chase and pulled out my pistol with my right hand… then I tripped.

“As I put my hands out in front of me to break my fall, the gun fired and the bullet hit my left wrist,” he said.

The force of the bullet shattered his left wrist, but he is still able to move the fingers on that hand.

“I was not able to get a clear view of the teenagers because it was dark and everything happened so quickly. However, the motorbike has been returned to its rightful owner,” said Sgt Rakchart.