American tourist arrested for ‘slashing traffic policeman's throat in wild rampage’
An American tourist was arrested for allegedly slashing a policeman's throat during a wild rampage in Thailand.
Alexander Troy Lopez, 29, from California, was reportedly high on drugs when he attacked a 7-Eleven store in Bangkok on August 22.
The backpacker was said to have snatched beer cans from the shelves and walked out of the shop without paying.
Staff chased him outside, demanding payment before Police Lieutenant Prasarn Somkhanay, 58, who was stationed at a nearby traffic box, arrived to intervene.
Footage shows employees running after the holidaymaker, seen running barefoot along the road.
The cop was later seen chasing the American through an intersection.
He caught up with Alexander and attempted to arrest him, but the American reportedly resisted.
Alexander allegedly slashed the officer in the neck with a yellow box cutter before fleeing towards Suapa Plaza at around 10:20 am local time.
Bystanders rushed to help the bleeding cop who suffered a large cut that missed his vital arteries. He was taken to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital and was reported to be in stable condition.
Officers from Metropolitan Police Division 6 then launched a manhunt following a tip-off that a 'suspicious' man was running toward the Suan Mali roundabout.
They found him just 30 minutes later, sitting in a makeshift shelter under a tree.
Video shows police ordering the confused shirtless tourist to raise his hands. They then tackled him when he refused to follow instructions.
The yellow box cutter believed to have been used in the attack was seized from the scene.
Police said Alexander was charged with attempted murder and may face additional charges over alleged drug use. He was reportedly uncooperative during interrogation, and was seen smirking while being held at the police station.
Police Major General Chaiyakit Pho-ah, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, said: 'After we detained the suspect, we coordinated with an interpreter from the Tourist Police to assist with the interrogation, as the suspect communicates in both English and Spanish.
‘However, at present, the suspect has not been fully cooperating with us.
‘We are currently examining the suspect's physical and mental condition, as it was observed that during the incident, he may have been intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or other substances.
‘Therefore, we will send him for a detailed medical examination to gather facts to support the prosecution.
‘As for the test results, initial urine testing detected methamphetamine, which is an active substance found in narcotics such as methamphetamine pills and crystal meth.
‘However, these results are merely preliminary screening results, so we are preparing to send the suspect for blood tests to confirm the results.
‘If the results are confirmed and there is sufficient evidence, we will proceed with drug-related charges.
‘We have pressed charges for attempted murder of an officer on duty and robbery.
‘As for other drug-related charges, we will consider them based on the confirmed test results and all gathered evidence, while also checking his background and residence status in Thailand.
‘As the suspect is a foreigner, we will carry out all procedures in accordance with legal processes and provide an interpreter so that the suspect understands the charges and can properly enter the judicial process.'
Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphan, deputy inspector-general and spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, later visited Prasarn at the hospital to offer his support after the incident.
Trairong asked about the officer's condition and praised him for stepping in to assist the public. He also provided Prasarn with financial assistance and a gift basket during the visit.
Authorities said Alexander will be further questioned in the presence of US Embassy representatives as the investigation continues.
