Chonburi: A thief's desperate bid to flee justice ended in tragedy as police continue to search for 38 baht of gold stolen during a daring robbery at a Chonburi shopping mall.
According to Thai News Agency, the thief, identified as Mr. Piyapong, broke into a gold shop at a department store in the Mueang District's Ban Suan branch, disguised in a long-sleeved shirt, hat, and mask. Armed with a gun, he made off with the gold jewelry.
During his escape, Pol. Sgt. Sompong Fongda from the Investigation Division of Provincial Police Region 2 attempted to intercept the robber. The thief fired a shot that struck Pol. Sgt. Sompong's helmet, enabling him to continue his flight. Despite efforts to capture him, he managed to flee the scene. Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to trace his escape route.
Just two hours after the robbery, Don Hua Lo Police Station received a report of a man falling from a condominium. Upon arrival, officers found Mr. Piyapong in critical condition and rushed him to the hospital, where he later died. Investigations revealed that the motorcycle parked at the scene matched the one used in the robbery. CCTV footage showed Mr. Piyapong arriving at the condo, an old residence of his, before jumping from the sixth-floor window.
At Mr. Piyapong's residence, police discovered numerous debt collection documents, suggesting financial stress may have driven him to commit the crime. Authorities are now focused on locating the stolen gold and returning it to the shop.