Teen-killer complains that youths attacked him

The 50-year-old engineer who admitted to shooting a teenager dead in self-defence after a car parking dispute in Chon Buri has filed a complaint with police against the teenagers of which the victim was a member, saying they had attacked him prior to the shooting.

Suthep Pochanasomboon yesterday gave a statement to Pol Col Chiewchan Permpoon, chief of Saen Suk police in Muang district of Chon Buri province, along with evidence to back up his claims.

He said the teenagers assaulted him. He said he fired the shot that killed 17-yearold Nawapol Peungpai, who was among the group of teens, in self-defence during a scuffle at an intersection in tambon Ang Sila on Feb 4.

Mr Suthep has been charged with premeditated murder and carrying a firearm without a reason.

Pol Col Chiewchan said police are questioning witnesses.

Pol Sub-Lt Narongsak Jit-anong, deputy traffic police chief at Saen Suk station, said at least four of the teenagers are also facing charges of colluding to attack a police officer on duty.

On the day of the incident, Mr Suthep was caught by a traffic officer at the intersection after he shot Nawapol. It has been alleged that as they chased after Mr Suthep, the officer was also assaulted.

Also suspected of taking part in the attacks on Mr Suthep and the officer is the driver of the van that was transporting the teens.

The driver has been charged with being complicit in the attack and breaching the traffic law by parking the van in a no-parking zone, which was the subject of the row between the teens and Mr Suthep.

Pol Sub-Lt Narongsak said the four teens have been summoned to hear the charges at Saen Suk station tomorrow. If they fail to turn up, warrants for their arrest will be issued.

Meanwhile, Mr Suthep will be sent to the Burapha University Hospital for an examination of his injuries sustained during the fight. The results of the medical test will be used as evidence in the investigation.