A drunken driver rear-ended a parked Lexus RX330 packed with a family, and then scuffled with the other driver and a deputy district police chief who arrived on the scene of the collision in Kampot province on Saturday, police said on Monday.
The driver and two of the three men riding with him were arrested and questioned in court on Monday.
The incident began when the Lexus owner, 45-year-old Meas San, pulled over at about 7 p.m. to relieve himself alongside Road 31 in Ang Sophy commune while on a trip with several family members, said Seng Ratana, deputy police chief of Kompong Trach district.
A Toyota Camry driven by 41-year-old Mao Veasna, who was intoxicated, then ran into the Lexus, leading to a shouting match between Mr. San and Mr. Veasna, Mr. Ratana said.
Mr. Veasna’s passengers, Mao Sorya, 38, the car’s owner, 40-year-old Sam Neam, and a fourth passenger who soon fled the scene, then joined in the scuffle, he said.
Mr. Ratana said that when he arrived on the scene and tried to prevent the remaining three men in the Camry from fleeing, Mr. Sorya turned on him.
“Mao Sorya pushed me and kicked me in the back to the ground, causing injuries on my left hand and chest,” Mr. Ratana said. “I demand $2,000 in compensation from them because they impacted my reputation and damaged my walkie-talkie too.”
Mr. Ratana said that Mr. San, who could not be reached for comment, was also seeking damages from the men.
Kampot provincial police chief Mao Chanmathurith said that the three suspects were sent to the Kampot provincial police headquarters and then to provincial court, while police were still looking for the fourth suspect.
“We accused them of intentional violence and causing a traffic accident, and the three men were sent to court,” he said.
Ek Chheng Huot, the provincial court prosecutor, said that the court was questioning the men on Monday, but had yet to charge them.
