A soldier from the military’s elite paratrooper unit was arrested in Kompong Chhnang province on Friday night after illegally using his standard-issue firearm to intimidate a family friend, police said on Sunday.
Kompong Leng district police chief Pal Choeun said Yun Saniya, 32, a Brigade 911 soldier based in Preah Vihear province, was visiting his wife and her family in Pur commune for the Pchum Ben holiday.
When Mr. Saniya’s brother-in-law invited a friend—Nop Kongkea, 22—over to drink with him, Mr. Saniya threatened to shoot the man, he said.
As the friend approached the stairs leading up to the house, the soldier shouted at him: “I don’t like messing around—if you climb up I will fire,” before firing his handgun once, Mr. Choen said.
Mr. Kongkea reported the incident to police, who sent Mr. Saniya to the provincial police station, he said.
Provincial court spokesman Long Sitha said Mr. Saniya was charged on Sunday with the illegal use of a firearm and remanded in provisional detention. He faces six months to two years in prison.
