Police in Tbong Khmum province said Thursday they were searching for four men suspected of carrying out a violent armed robbery with two AK-47 assault rifles and a handgun at a grocery store on Wednesday evening, making away with jewelry, two motorbikes and about $1,750 in cash.
Prak Bun Non, deputy provincial police chief, said the gang arrived at the store in Tbong Khmum district’s Thma Pich commune, which is owned by Lan Hong Seng, 35, and his wife, San Da, 36, as Mr. Hong Seng was closing for the day.
“At about 6:30 p.m., while the husband prepared to close the gate, one suspect came to ask the victim to buy something and when the victim looked at him he used the handgun to point to the victim’s head,” Mr. Bun Non said.
“One of the suspects grabbed a gasoline bottle to smash against the victim’s head and tied his arms behind his back and pushed him to the ground,” he said.
Two members of the group then entered the shop brandishing their AK-47s and demanded money and personal jewelry, which Ms. Da handed over. The group then stole the couple’s two motorbikes and fled the scene.
Mr. Bun Non said a team of 36 commune, district and provincial police officers were searching for the suspects, three of whom were released from Kompong Cham provincial prison about eight months ago after serving between five and 10 years for aggravated theft. He declined to name them while investigations continue.
“Police got information about 30 minutes after the incident, so when we arrived at the scene the suspects had already fled,” he said.
“We suspect they fled to Prey Veng province and we are now contacting police there to cooperate with us in order to arrest them,” he added.
Long Sarin, deputy district police chief, said the gang made away with a 2013 Honda Dream and 2014 Honda Wave, three gold necklaces, two gold rings and about $1,750 in cash.
