Holiday pagoda party takes a violent turn

A Pchum Ben romp descended into something akin to a stomp on Saturday night after guests divided into two gangs and attacked each other. The pagoda party, held in Kampot’s Kampong Tralach district, was swinging before the rival factions turned on each other, using machetes, stones and even drinking glasses in the ensuing skirmish. Four of the piqued partygoers were hospitalised while the remaining six scrammed. Police are unsure as to the cause of the breakdown. Koh Santepheap

Getaway made good after chance collision

An olympic effort to catch a moto-thieving crim on Wednesday ended with a runaway finish and two sporting injuries. The race began typically enough, with a run-of-the-mill moto theft from outside Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh. The 20-year-old victim and his mates raced after the crook but had not got far before the sprint was interrupted by two surprise entrants who collided with the thief, causing him to abandon the race, and the bike. The two traffic casualties were hospitalised while the thief remains on the run. Kampuchea Thmey

Trio of phone thieves dial ‘G’ for getaway

A bag-snatching trio scored a mobile phone each when they robbed a 21-year-old woman from the back of a moto on Tuesday. The victim was carrying $2,000 and three phones on her when the three thieves rode up alongside and pounced on the purse. The incensed victim stepped on it and chased the reckless robbers through Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district, but to no avail. Police found her in tears, ruing her misfortune over her moto and are now on the lookout for the suspects. Nokorwat

One bolts, one bagged in Prey Veng drug bust

A 25-year-old Prey Veng man was arrested while his mate ran out the door on Sunday, when police raided their alleged drug den. The two were found consuming an unnamed illegal substance and tried to do a runner when police barged in. One man was unable to scram and was arrested on suspicion of trafficking, while his quick-footed pal made it out the door. Police, however, say they know the identity of the escapee. Nokorwat

Would-be extortionist stung by cops, target

A gullible extortionist who threatened to kidnap and kill a Phnom Penh man’s son unless he paid him $500 was caught in a sting by the victim on Saturday. The suspect stooge delivered his thuggish threats to the 38-year-old father over the phone but wasn’t counting on him going to the police and setting up a trap. The cunning crook arrived at a playground to collect his cash while police set about arresting him. Nokorwat

Translated by Phak Seangly