An American man Robert Andrew Gordon was arrested in Bangkok for the assault and rape of a masseuse in Khon Kaen claimed he was high on drugs at the time, police said on Saturday.
The 37-year-old suspect, whom police identified only as Robert, was arrested at a hotel on Soi Nana off Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok.
The arrest took place five days after a 45-year-old masseuse was severely assaulted and raped at a traditional massage parlour in Muang district of Khon Kaen.
After the suspect fled on a motorcycle, he committed an obscene act against a 13-year-old girl in Ban Phai district of the northeastern province, said Pol Gen Damrongsak Sajjaphan, a deputy national police chief.
Earlier media reports had said that the girl was rescued from a rape attempt by a foreigner who matched the description of the man wanted for the rape.
The case shocked the public, and national police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk ordered a maximum effort to bring the perpetrator into custody as he showed no fear of the law, said Pol Gen Damrongsak.
Police examined closed circuit video from the scene of the assault and other locations and checked on data from the Immigration Bureau that shed light on the American suspect.
Investigators found that he was staying at a hotel on Soi Nana in Bangkok, and sought approval from the Khon Kaen provincial court to arrest him.
Seized from the man’s room were the clothes he wore on that day the offences were committed. The arresting officers also seized his motorcycle.
Police have charged him with physical assault causing serious injuries to another person, rape, and illegal detention.
During questioning, the suspect confessed to the charges, police said. He claimed he had taken speed pills on that day and this aroused his sexual desire. He is being held in police custody pending further legal action.
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