A shootout at a dance party has left one woman dead and seven other people wounded, Phnom Penh police said Sunday.
On Sam Ang, 23, died late Saturday at a home in Dangkor district, district penalty police Deputy Chief In Keo said.
Dozens of people were at the home for a dance party in advance of the Khmer New Year when the shooting started. Authorities say the party organizer opened fire on a crowd with an AK-47 assault rifle.
Trouble started when a guard at the gate refused to allow entry to a group of youngsters.
The youths became enraged and began heckling the party guests, including the 28-year-old home owner. The dispute escalated when the youths began throwing rocks and debris.
Furious, the home owner—who allegedly had been drinking heavily throughout the evening—grabbed his assault rifle and opened fire, In Keo said. On Sam Ang collapsed in a heap and died, the deputy chief said. Seven others received minor wounds. The suspect, a construction worker, hid the rifle inside his home and fled. A warrant is being sought for his arrest, Dangkor district police Chief Mom Saveth said.
