Hua Hin car vandalism suspect arrested
Man arrested after Hua Hin car vandalism rampage damages almost 10 vehicles
A 31-year-old man has been arrested after a Hua Hin car vandalism incident in which nearly 10 vehicles were damaged by rocks and plant pots thrown at parked cars, police said.
The incident took place on 9 June, when a man riding a blue Honda Click motorcycle allegedly targeted vehicles parked along Phetkasem Road and in several sois between Hua Hin Soi 17 and Hua Hin Soi 45.
Police said the suspect threw rocks, plant pots and other objects found by the roadside at cars parked in the area. Several vehicles suffered smashed front and rear windscreens. In some cases, rocks broke through the glass and entered the passenger compartment.
The damaged vehicles included vans and private cars, among them a Toyota Alphard, Honda Accord, Toyota Altis, Lexus and Mazda. At least eight victims have filed complaints with investigators at Hua Hin Police Station.
Hua Hin police track suspect through CCTV
The incident was captured on CCTV and by road users. Images and details of the suspect were later shared on social media, prompting residents to help circulate warnings and urge anyone who saw the man to contact police.
After reviewing CCTV footage along the escape route, officers found that the suspect had discarded a blue or silver jacket opposite the U Chana traffic light intersection. He was later seen wearing a black shirt as he fled on the motorcycle.
Pol Col Kampanat Na Wichai, superintendent of Hua Hin Police Station, said investigators were ordered to search for the suspect immediately.
Police later arrested the man, identified only as Mr A, aged 31, at a house in Huay Mongkol Soi 2. Officers said they also found two methamphetamine pills hidden on him.
Suspect allegedly admitted taking meth
During questioning, the suspect allegedly admitted taking eight methamphetamine pills before the incident. Police said he claimed he had been under severe stress and had been hearing voices before riding out from home and attacking the parked vehicles.
He allegedly told officers he later returned home and rested as normal.
Police said the suspect had reportedly been involved in similar minor incidents before, with his mother compensating victims on previous occasions.
Pol Col Kampanat said the suspect remains in custody and that police will pursue legal action. Hua Hin Police Station is also accepting further complaints from victims around the clock as officers gather evidence.
