A riot broke out in Kampong Speu last night, April 4, as police officers attempted to make an arrest in connection with a stolen truck.
Prey Veng police were investigating the theft of a 2.5-ton Hyundai truck from Peamrok district.
“The vehicle was purchased from the perpetrator for $1,600 and later resold for $2,300 without any legal documentation. The transaction took place in Angrong village, Maha Russey commune, Kong Pisey district, Kampong Speu province,” explained a police statement.
Working with their Kampong Speu counterparts, they moved to arrest Keo Daro, a 30-year-old car dealer who also dismantles vehicles for parts, when a number of residents and passersby gathered at the scene and obstructed the authorities, in an apparent attempt to free the suspect.
A video circulating on social media shows clashes between civilians and police forces, with at least one police officer seen firing a sidearm into the air, in an attempt to bring the situation under control.
Daro was taken into custody for his part in the vehicle theft, while two other individuals — That Tengneng, 26, and Huon Nget, 56 — were arrested for obstructing law enforcement.
The three suspects have since been transferred to the Prey Veng Provincial Police Headquarters for further legal proceedings.