Expressway Extortion Ends in Tragedy
A police lieutenant has been arrested for the murder of a businessman after attempting extortion on a Bangkok expressway.
Alex Carter
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 01:56 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - On December 29, 2022, a dispute on the Chalerm Mahanakhon Expressway led to the fatal shooting of a 30-year-old businessman, identified as Kris, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds including two to the head. The incident occurred around 23:30 near kilometer marker 10, just north of Pradit Manutham Soi 5, headed towards Lat Phrao. Authorities, including officers from Expressway Police Station 1 and Wang Thonglang Police Station, found the victim's body at the scene and immediately launched an investigation into the shocking event.
Identifying the Perpetrator
The suspect was quickly identified as Police Lieutenant Narongvas Tachada, aged 25, from Hua Mak Police Station, class 75. Driven by personal financial troubles stemming from unsound business investments and unpaid debts of 2 million, the accused, who had been working as Kris's driver for about 5 months, attempted to extort 20 million from the victim. This situation escalated into a deadly confrontation when his demands were not met. In the heat of the altercation, as Kris tried to escape the vehicle, Narongvas shot him in the leg, then the arm, and eventually delivered the fatal shots to the head when Kris refused to transfer the funds.
Apprehension and Confession
A coordinated arrest operation involving multiple Metro Police divisions and the Wang Thonglang Police Station led to the apprehension of Police Lieutenant Narongvas on December 30, 2022, in Sam Phran, Nakorn Pathom province. He faces charges of premeditated murder and illegally carrying a weapon in public. Following his capture, the suspect confessed to returning to the crime scene in an attempt to retrieve his dropped cellphone and to again extort the money before committing the final violent act on the victim. He cited immense stress and a belief that he had been deceived as the motives for his actions.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Upon his confession, Police Lieutenant Narongvas Tachada was taken into custody and will face legal proceedings. High-ranking officials including the chief of police and his deputies have called for an urgent and thorough investigation into the matter, as it involves a member of the police force. The suspect is currently detained by the Wang Thonglang police, with the justice system poised to determine his fate following the grim incident on the expressway.
