A Turkish man has been arrested for assault and robbery of a Russian woman before trying to hide from police in a Naklua steam room.
Ali Muhammad, 32, was taken into custody on the top floor of the Aew Thai Massage and Spa Dec. 26 where he was taking refuge in an herbal steam bath. The sweaty Turk tried to slip away from authorities, but was wrapped about 10 minutes later.
Police and friends bring the Turkish mugger under control inside the massage parlor.
Witnesses identified Muhammad as the man who’d pounded the head of Asya Shapkina, 37, into the pavement of Naklua Road near Soi 12, then escaped with her handbag.
Shapkina told police she’d been going to visit a friend at a nearby hotel when she noticed Muhammad coming up quickly behind her. She said she’d recognized him from her Jomtien Beach Hotel where he’d been staying and had allegedly threatened earlier her for money.
She said he tried to take her handbag. She fought back, but he won after smashing her head on the ground. Shapkina was treated for a profusely bleeding head wound and was released. Muhammad was charged with assault and robbery.
