Police search for suspected hitman who allegedly shot M16 rifle, killing an officer

Two people, including a police officer, were killed in a gunfire exchange where a suspected hitman allegedly shot at officers using an M16 rifle in the southern province Phattalung. Another officer was severely injured and three suspects, including the alleged hitman, were able to escape.

Eight police officers from the Crime Suppression Division tracked down Chamrat “Chui Chaochan” Rakchan, a man police say is a leading hired gunman. Chui faces multiple charges involving murder and he is on a most-wanted list with a bounty of more than 100,000 baht.

Officers tried to alert the vehicle to pull over, but the suspects sped off, leading to a police chase. Police say Chui fired an M16 rifle at police while officers tried to overtake them from the right side.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Anan Meesang was shot in the head and later died at a hospital. Another Senior Sergeant Major…