A man is behind bars in the wake of a February incident that saw 100 villagers surround a Kampong Thom police station and intimidate officials into releasing a couple arrested for fishing illegally.

Bun Ky, provincial deputy director of investigations for the military police office, said the suspect, 44-year-old Ngveang Yangsorn of Kampong Chhnang, was arrested on Monday on an outstanding warrant and sent to prison the next day.

“According to the police who saw the event, when the suspect went to help his friends, he was the ringleader and escaped arrest,” Ky said, adding that two additional suspects believed to have aided in the couple’s escape are also being sought.

The original duo in question, husband and wife, Yor Yangseun, and Ngo Thyfoeung, were taken in by fisheries officials after they were allegedly fishing in a protected area on February 22.

The mob formed shortly thereafter, forcing their release. After escaping, the couple were subsequently rearrested and sent to provincial prison.