SAMUT PRAKAN, THAILAND – Police arrested a 20-year-old motorcyclist for allegedly raping a 15-year-old student. He confessed to four similar attacks.
Cops caught the suspect at a gas station on Suksawat Road in Lat Luang, Phra Pradaeng district. They accuse him of forcing the teen off her booked route and sexually assaulting her.
Suspect lured schoolgirls with cheap rides
The 20-year-old used to attend the same school as the 15-year-old victim, say police. During questioning, he admitted to tricking four other female students and sexually abusing them in the same way.
Ride app booking turned into nightmare
The schoolgirl booked a motorcycle ride late on Aug 7 via an app. She wanted to go to a friend’s house first, then home. But the driver took a different route and brought her to his own home.
He held her against her will and took her mobile phone, according to police. Then he raped her, drove her home, and threatened her not to tell anyone or file a complaint.
Mother reported attack within hours
The victim’s mother filed a report at 4am on Aug 8 at Rat Burana police station. The next day she also contacted the child and women protection unit, asking for fast action.
Officers checked the phone number used by the driver. They planned a search and arrested the suspect shortly after, police said.
Cops hunt for more victims
Police have identified two more female youths who say they were also victims of the same man. They are being questioned so additional legal proceedings can begin.
The suspect regularly rode his motorcycle near different schools offering ride services. Students used him because his fares were cheaper than motorcycle taxis. Investigators believe there may be more victims and are expanding the probe together with Rat Burana police.
Suspect handed to investigators
Police brought the 20-year-old to Rat Burana station. He was handed over to investigating officers for further processing.
Detectives are now checking whether other cases match the same method of operation.