Drunken celebrities fired guns, police say

Written by Writer on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008

Drunken celebrities fired guns, police say

Written by Chrann Chamroeun
The Phnom Penh Post

A SATURDAY night out for a famous TV host and a singer allegedly ended in gunfire and threats against security staff at Siem Reap’s ZoneOne Club, police said Tuesday.

Police in Siem Reap confirmed Tuesday that they had received a complaint from a ZoneOne Club security guard against well-known Cambodia Television Network (CTN) presenter Oeung Ratha and popular singer Teth Vicheka. The two were drunk and became enraged when the guard didn’t open the gate fast enough, according to police.

“The guard asked [Oeung Ratha] why he drove his car very fast … and then [Oeung Ratha] pointed a gun at him…. [then] Teth Vicheka shot three times into the sky, followed by another three shots from Oeung Ratha,” Mek Sam On, deputy criminal police chief, said.

Siem Reap police chief Hoeung Chendarith said the guard has asked for US$5,000 in compensation and requested legal action be taken against the two alleged shooters. He said the case would be sent to the provincial police commissioner for further investigation.

According to the police report, the comedian Ou Bunnarath, known as Krem, was also present at the site. Ou Bunnarath told the Post that he saw the accident, but did not take part in the shooting.

“I was there, but I did not have a gun,” he said and disputed the part of the complaint stating that a gun was pointed at the guard. “I agree there was a shooting … but they [Oeung Ratha and Teth Vicheka] did not point guns at the guard.”
Neither Oeung Ratha nor Thet Vicheka could be reached for comment on Tuesday.