PUBLISHED: November 14, 2024 at 4:54 PM
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Pol L/C Sitthipong Kanta, 22. (Photo: Phrae reporters)
PHRAE – A 22-year-old police officer was found dead from drowning in the river during a pursuit of a fleeing drug suspect.
The incident happened on Wednesday around 2 p.m. Officers from Sa-Iap station inspected a bridge over a river in Song district, where they found a 37-year-old construction worker, identified only as Komkrit, believed to be on drugs.
The startled suspect fled and jumped into the river. Pol L/C Sitthipong Kanta chased him and also jumped in. However, due to his heavy uniform, the young officer was washed away by the strong current.
A search ensued and at 6.15pm divers found the body of Pol L/C Sitthipong and brought him to the surface. It is not known whether the drug suspect has been caught.
A statement of condolence was posted on the Metropolitan Police Bureau Investigation Division’s Facebook page, prompting numerous comments from netizens who said the young officer was courageous and worthy of respect.