A former military officer, who works as body guard for a local tycoon was arrested and charged Saturday after allegedly shooting and injuring a youth land-management volunteer while attempting to restore peace between two groups of fighting youngsters outside a night club.

Phnom Penh deputy prosecutor Hieng Sopheak said that Klouk Savoeun, 38, is believed to have opened fire while breaking up a fight outside of World Club in Sen Sok district’s Teuk Thla commune in the wee hours of Saturday morning. In the process, he allegedly shot the victim’s right leg, for which he had to be hospitalised.

“The suspect has been charged with intentional violence and the use of weapons without permission,” he said.

Colonel Pu Davy, deputy commander of military police in Phnom Penh, said the victim, Sao Bunthen, 21, was arguing with another group of youngsters when the suspect, who had been drinking, approached them and tried to intervene.

He added that the victim was a first year university student living in Neak Kavorn pagoda in Boeung Kak 2 commune, and had recently come back from Pursat, where he was working as a volunteer land measurer. The victim is being treated at Kossamak Hospital.