Police officer walks free after admitting to gun scare

A police officer has been released after admitting to causing fear but denying carrying and discharging a weapon, following an incident in Udon Thani where he fired a blank gun at a group of young people, police announced on September 3. Two individuals, Orn, 23, and Ood, 18, along with relatives, reported to the Mueang Udon Thani Police Station that a man in clothing resembling a training uniform had approached them late at night on August 31.

The man, believed to be intoxicated, exited a white sedan and fired a shot into the air before ordering the group to leave. Among the group was a five-year-old boy who panicked and ran away in fear. The officer was identified as a 36-year-old police sub-lieutenant serving as a deputy inquiry officer with the Metropolitan Police.

He arrived at the police station around 10am, surrendered a blank gun, and was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, discharging a firearm without reasonable cause, and causing fear or alarm. The officer pleaded not guilty to the charges of carrying and discharging a weapon but admitted to causing fear. He was fingerprinted and released, as he voluntarily turned himself in, having a known, contactable address. Disciplinary actions will be handled by his commanding officers.