The man, 26-year-old Nooparit Sophapan was finally apprehended thanks to the help of local residents.
Nopparit assaulted his grandmother, Jintana Chairab, at her home in Moo 7 in Kathu at 3am yesterday. She later died at Vachira Phuket Hospital. (See story here)
Thung Thong Police chief Col Chaowarit Petchsripia explained, “We requested an arrest warrant as soon as we were sure that Nopparit was the person responsible for the death of his grandmother.
“A team of investigators were sent out to search for him at his home and the homes of his friends. “Then at 3pm we received a tip-off that Nopparit was hiding at a friend’s house on Moo 5 Pracha Uthit Rd in Rassada.
“When officers arrived at the property he was cornered in a room. He refused to cooperate with us and pulled out a knife threatening to stab officers if they come any closer.
“Police made a move to take the knife away from him so he hit out at the officers and tried to escape. However, with the help of local residents we were finally able to apprehend him,” Col Chaowarit said.
Police seized the 24cm long knife along with two mobile phones.
Nooparit has since been charged with assault causing death, using a weapon and fighting with Police officers during the arrest and carrying a weapon in a public place without a permit.