American man faces charges after stealing beer and slashing police officer’s neck
A 29-year-old American man was arrested in Bangkok after allegedly stealing from a convenience store and injuring a traffic police officer by slashing his neck with a box cutter while trying to escape.
The suspect, identified as Alexander Lopez, was arrested on Saturday (22 Aug) at Suan Mali Roundabout in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district after more than seven uniformed and plainclothes officers used a stun gun to subdue him.
Police said Lopez appeared to be homeless and was still carrying a utility knife when he was arrested.
Officer injured during attempted arrest
The incident began at around 10am when Lopez allegedly stole cans of beer from a convenience store on Chaloem Khet 1 Road before fleeing the scene.
Source: Kaojorluek
Police said Police Sub-Lieutenant Prasarn Somkaney, a deputy traffic inspector from Phra Ratchawang Police Station, attempted to stop Lopez while riding his motorcycle near Suea Pa intersection on Charoen Krung Road.
During the confrontation, Lopez allegedly resisted arrest and used a box cutter to slash the officer’s neck before fleeing again.
Source: Kaojorluek
The 58-year-old officer suffered a deep wound measuring about 10cm and was rushed to BMA General Hospital before being transferred to Police General Hospital.
Doctors said his condition is now stable, although he remains under observation due to the severity of the injury and internal blood clotting. He is conscious and able to communicate normally.
Suspect tested positive for drugs
Police later caught Lopez at around 11.05am at Chalermkhet 1 Road after he reportedly became exhausted while fleeing.
A hospital drug test showed that he tested positive for methamphetamine, according to police.
Source: Kaojorluek
Authorities said Lopez was uncooperative during questioning and could not provide a statement. Police planned to continue interviews with representatives from the U.S. Embassy present.
Faces multiple charges
Police Colonel Phawat Wanthasuphat, superintendent of Phra Ratchawang Police Station, said background checks showed that Lopez had previously been linked to theft and robbery cases in several parts of Bangkok.
Police said he will face charges including attempted murder, resisting arrest, assaulting an officer on duty, theft, robbery and carrying a knife in public without permission or reasonable cause.
Police are also investigating a separate case involving the alleged theft of a bag and mobile phone from Thammasat University earlier that day.
Additional narcotics-related charges may be filed following further investigations.
Police said they will seek a court order to detain Lopez. After completing all legal proceedings and serving any sentence imposed in Thailand, he will be handed over to the Immigration Bureau for deportation and blacklisting.
Also read: Man in Thailand fights foreigner with pipe using local weapons & martial arts
Man in Thailand fights foreigner with pipe using local weapons & martial arts
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Featured image adapted from Kaojorluek.
