A 29-year-old American man was arrested in Bangkok on 22 August after stealing from a convenience store and slashing a police officer in the neck with a box cutter before fleeing, police said.
The incident happened at around 9:30 in the Suea Pa area. Police were alerted to a theft at a 7-Eleven store on Phadung Dao Road and dispatched officers to the scene.
Lt. Prasarn Somkanee, a traffic officer from Phra Ratchawang Police Station who was riding a motorcycle through the area, came across the incident and moved to intervene.
CCTV footage shows the suspect attacking Prasarn with a box cutter, striking him in the neck, before fleeing toward Suea Pa Plaza.
The injured officer was assisted by police and members of the public before being taken to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital. He was later reported to be in stable condition.
Police from Metropolitan Police Division 6 launched a search involving investigators, patrol officers and traffic police. Investigators received information that the suspect was heading toward Suan Mali Circle.
Officers found him hiding in a temporary shelter near the circle and arrested him within 30 minutes of the attack. A yellow box cutter believed to have been used in the assault was also seized.
Police identified the suspect as Alexander Troy Lopez, 29, an American national.
Metropolitan Police Division 6 commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit Phoa said Lopez appeared confused and was not cooperating fully during initial questioning. Tourist Police interpreters were brought in to communicate with him in English and Spanish.
Police also ordered medical examinations and drug testing after officers suspected he may have been intoxicated.
A preliminary urine test detected methamphetamine, a substance found in methamphetamine pills and crystal meth. Police said blood tests and medical confirmation will be conducted before deciding whether to file additional drug-related charges.
Lopez has been charged with attempted murder of an officer while on duty and an offence related to robbery. Police are also checking his criminal record and immigration status and reviewing CCTV footage and witness accounts as the investigation continues.
