An American man was arrested in Bangkok yesterday, August 22, after allegedly stealing from a 7-Eleven and slashing a police officer in the neck with a utility knife. The injured officer was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition.
According to investigators, the incident began in the Sua Pa area in the morning when 29 year old Alexander Troy Lopez allegedly stole items from a 7-Eleven.
A traffic police officer patrolling the area on a motorcycle attempted to intervene. Lopez then slashed the officer across the neck with a utility knife before running towards Sua Pa Plaza.
People at the scene and other officers assisted the injured officer before he was taken to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital for treatment. A search for Lopez was then launched.
Investigators later received information that a man matching the description was walking towards Suan Mali Roundabout. Officers searched the surrounding area and found the suspect hiding near a temporary shelter beside the roundabout.
Lopez was arrested less than 30 minutes after the incident. Police also seized a yellow utility knife believed to have been used in the attack.
Police said Lopez was initially incoherent, appeared intoxicated and was not fully cooperative. An interpreter was called to assist officers in communicating with him in English and Spanish.
Lopez was then taken to Police General Hospital for a physical examination and drug testing.
Investigators initially charged Lopez with attempted murder of an officer performing his duties and an offence related to robbery.
A preliminary urine test detected methamphetamine. Officers said any additional drug-related charge would depend on confirmation from medical tests, with blood testing and further testing planned.
Police are also checking Lopez’s background and immigration status in Thailand and collecting evidence as part of the investigation.
The injured officer remains under medical care but is now reported to be in a stable condition. Lopez remains in custody while legal proceedings continue.
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