CHON BURI - A female Russian tourist suffered a minor injury after being hit by a stray bullet fired by police who were chasing two teenage bag snatchers in Pattaya on Saturday night.
Elena Sarycmeva, 27, was hit in the left leg and the two bag snatchers, aged 17 and 18, were also shot and injured in the shooting that took place at 9pm at Grand Jomtien intersection in tambon Nong Phrue of Bang Lamung district. All were taken to a nearby hospital, Thai media reported on Sunday.
According to police, the two suspects, travelling on a motorcycle, snatched a bag from a tourist in front of Jomtien Beach Resort Hotel before fleeing. After being alerted, police gave chase and fired shots at them when they refused to stop. The suspects’ motorcycle fell and the two suspects were shot and injured. One bullet hit Ms Sarycmeva, who was walking in the area.