Officer shoots rampaging farmer

The Phnom Penh Post
Monday, 07 September 2009
Chrann Chamroeun

A MAN from Chhouk district's Prich Village was shot twice - including once in the groin area - by a policeman after allegedly trying to attack the officer with a long knife.

Chey Vanak, a 24-year-old farmer, is being treated for his injuries at Kampot provincial hospital following the altercation Friday.

Kampot provincial deputy police Chief Chiv Sameth said a Boeung Nimol commune policeman opened fire after the man, who was visibly drunk, chased the officer with a long knife, a tool commonly used to cut banana trees and grass. Police were originally called to the scene by the man's father-in-law and wife, he added.

The victim's father-in-law, 55-year-old Nov Lith, confirmed Sunday that the family had agreed to "end the dispute" by accepting a US$1,000 payment from the police.