Motorcycle mechanic shot dead in dispute over loud exhaust
A motorcycle mechanic was shot and killed by a neighbour following a long-running dispute over noisy motorcycle exhausts in Mae Tha district, Lampang province. Police say the suspect has a history of mental health treatment.
Pol Lt Thanakrit Muangsut, deputy inspector of Mae Tha Police Station, said officers received a report of a fatal shooting in San Don Kaeo sub-district at about 11.30pm on Monday. Police and forensic officers later arrived at a concrete road inside Ban Mae Than village.
The victim, identified as 40-year-old Boontem Uchaipoom, was found dead at the scene after being shot with a shotgun. Nearby, officers found a blue Honda Wave 110 motorcycle fitted with a fake Chonburi licence plate, along with a homemade flintlock-style firearm believed to have been used in the shooting.
Police said the victim was a motorcycle mechanic who often tested repaired bikes by riding them on village roads. On the night of the incident, he had taken a customer’s motorcycle out to test the engine, accompanied by his 14-year-old son.
According to the boy, a warning shot was fired while they were riding. The victim then returned home to drop off his son before going out again. Shortly afterwards, villagers heard several gunshots. Later that night, the village headman informed the family that the mechanic had been shot dead.
Investigators believe the suspect, a 38-year-old man from the same village, had previously argued with the victim over loud motorcycle noise. Police said the suspect believed the noise was caused by the victim’s son and had earlier confronted and threatened the mechanic. That dispute is now believed to be linked to the killing.
Police said the suspect may have fired a warning shot after hearing another loud motorcycle pass his home. The victim is believed to have gone out to confront the man, but the argument escalated, ending in the fatal shooting.
Officers said they are working to locate and arrest the suspect, who is believed to be armed. Police added that his reported mental health history makes the case a priority due to concerns for public safety.
Source: Crime Asia