PHUKET, Thailand – An Australian tourist crashed into a police checkpoint sign early Sunday morning, injuring an officer and fleeing the scene before being apprehended in Patong shortly after.
Volltreffer am Checkpoint
At approximately 1:07 AM, the Naka checkpoint received its first emergency calls. Officers from the Kamala Police Station were in the process of setting up their equipment for a nighttime control when a white Toyota Yaris Ativ suddenly sped towards them. The vehicle, coming from the direction of Kamala, slammed head-on into the station’s sign at high speed. The force of the impact sent the sign scattering across the roadway.
Polizist hinter Schild verletzt
Police Sergeant Major Anuchit Chaocharoen was standing directly behind the sign at the time of the incident. He was struck by the debris and sustained injuries, investigators later confirmed. Authorities have not yet disclosed the severity of the officer’s injuries. He was on duty at the time of the accident.
Fahrer gibt einfach Gas
Instead of stopping to check on the injured officer, the driver accelerated and sped off towards Patong. The Toyota disappeared, leaving behind the damaged checkpoint and the injured policeman. The Kamala Police immediately launched a large-scale search, with patrol cars fanning out to comb the streets heading towards the coast.
Fahnder schnappen Australier in Patong
A short time later, officers located the damaged vehicle in Patong and managed to stop it. The driver was identified as Australian citizen Petratos Kosta. He was arrested on the spot and taken directly to the Kamala Police Station. According to police, the man offered no resistance.
Ursache weiter unklar
Investigators are now seeking to understand why the Australian crashed into the sign. Alcohol, excessive speed, or a medical emergency are all possibilities being examined by the officers. Evidence was secured at the scene, and an investigation is underway to determine exactly what happened. The Toyota has been impounded for technical examination.
Australier sitzt in Zelle
Petratos Kosta remains at the Kamala station. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and the charges will be determined after the ongoing investigation is concluded. The driver is being held at the Kamala Police Station for further legal action.