A military police guard was arrested on Friday after he allegedly fired four shots into the head and stomach of a soldier from the 31st Naval Infantry Brigade following an altercation on a boat off the coast of Preah Sihanouk province, provincial police said yesterday.
According to police, witnesses saw Nuth Roeun, 48, and Nheam Vy, 43, tie their boats together and share alcoholic drinks while at sea near Koh Tang island. During a long argument, Mr Roeun threw wine in the face of the Mr Vy.
Mr Vy then fired three shots into Mr Roeun’s stomach and one into his head, killing him, said Tak Vanntha, provincial police chief.
“I sent the suspect to the provincial military police head quarters because he is the military police guard on the island so I have to send him there so they can take measures,” said Mr Vanntha yesterday by phone.
He added that the suspect was likely to be held there until Monday or Tuesday for questioning before being sent to court to be charged.
Mr Vanntha added that the victim and suspect both worked on the island.
Rear Admiral Srun Saroeun, commander of the 31st Naval Infantry, could not be reached while Defense Ministry spokesman Lieutenant General Chhum Sucheat said he was unaware of this case and could not comment.
According to Mr Vanntha the suspect was taken to Sihanoukville port, where he was declared dead on arrival. His family held a funeral on Saturday in his honor, he said.
