A senior Cambodian government official allegedly chased a car carrying his wife and another man before opening fire, believing he had caught his wife having an affair. He reportedly discovered only after shooting the man that his intended target was his own son.
The incident took place at around 8.20pm on Oct. 14 in a village on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, according to reports by Khmer Times and other regional media outlets.
Car Chase Ends in Gunfire
Witnesses reportedly saw a Toyota Prius being pursued by a Ford. The chase continued until the vehicles reached a dead end, where both cars stopped and an argument broke out between the people involved.
The official, who was reportedly serving in Cambodia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, allegedly drew a pistol and fired several shots during the confrontation.
One of the bullets struck the man in the abdomen, leaving him injured.
Official Realises He Shot His Own Son
According to reports, the official had suspected that his wife was involved in an extramarital affair after seeing her driving with another man in the car.
He allegedly decided to pursue the vehicle and confront the pair, apparently unaware that the man accompanying his wife was his own son.
It was only after opening fire that he reportedly realised his mistake.
The injured man was subsequently rushed to hospital for treatment, while the government official was arrested by police following the incident.
Investigation Follows Shooting
The case has drawn attention because the shooting reportedly stemmed from a mistaken assumption about the relationship between the two people in the car.
The available reports did not provide further details about the son’s condition following hospitalisation or the specific charges that the official may face.
The circumstances leading up to the confrontation, including what prompted the official to believe his wife was having an affair, were also not fully detailed in the reports.
Authorities are expected to investigate the shooting and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.