Man in Tsing Yi shooting charged

The knife-wielding man who was shot in the hip by an officer at a public housing estate in Tsing Yi on Monday was charged yesterday.

The 27-year-old man has been charged with one count each of possession of an offensive weapon and attempted wounding.

The case will be heard in Tsuen Wan Court today.

He was arrested on Monday after fleeing from police when he was stopped for an identity check outside Wang Ching House in the estate. Three Police Tactical Unit officers pursued him through public housing estates after he produced a fruit knife and tried to attack a sergeant.

During the pursuit, the sergeant shot at the man twice as the suspect ran towards two elderly women on two separate occasions in nearby Cheung Hang Estate. One shot missed, but the second shot hit the suspect's left hip. Police then disarmed and arrested him.

Officers mounted a fruitless search for a bullet casing.

Concerns were raised over whether an officer should have opened fire in a public housing estate, where mostly elderly residents gathered.

Legislator James To Kun-sun also questioned whether extendable batons or pepper spray could have been used instead of shooting at the suspect in such a public area.

Police stressed that initial investigations showed the sergeant's actions were justified.

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward and contact them on 2410 2363 or 2431 9123.