Hong Kong police officer fires gun to stop car from running him over, three arrested
- Police approached a car in Tai Po suspecting a drug deal was in progress, but driver’s response forced officer to open fire, chief inspector says
- Three arrested on suspicion of drug offences, with man behind wheel of Lexus, which flipped over after collision, also accused of dangerous driving
A police officer fired his gun in an attempt to stop a car from running him over in northern Hong Kong late on Tuesday, before three people were arrested for drug offences.
The bullet hit the windscreen of the Lexus, which slammed into railings and overturned outside a public housing block in Fu Heng Estate, Tai Po, at about 11.55pm.
The uninjured driver, 23, tried to flee but was subdued by police, according to Chief Inspector Kwan Chun-hin, of New Territories North traffic unit.
The situation was very dangerous and the lives of our colleagues were under threat. At this juncture, one of the officers fired one shot at the car and the bullet hit its windscreen
His female passenger, 20, who suffered a minor shoulder injury, was trapped and later freed by officers. She was taken to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for treatment.
Police arrested the duo on suspicion of trafficking in a dangerous drug after 12 packets holding a total of about seven grams of suspected cocaine were found in the car. The man was also arrested for dangerous driving.
Police at the scene arrested another man, 31, also for drug trafficking.
The drama began when officers from the Police Tactical Unit spotted the stationary Lexus outside Heng Tai House in the estate.
The 31-year-old man was said to be standing next to the driver’s door in a manner that led police to suspect a drug deal was in progress.
As officers approached, the man standing outside the car ran off but was intercepted by police. A packet containing 0.5 grams of suspected cocaine was found beside him during the arrest, the force added.
The driver then sped off in the Lexus with the woman on board, prompting two officers – a sergeant and a constable – to give chase on foot.
“After entering a cul-de-sac, the car made a U-turn and ran at high speed towards our colleagues,” Kwan said.
He said the driver ignored police’s verbal warnings to stop the vehicle and accelerated towards officers.
“The situation was very dangerous and the lives of our colleagues were under threat. At this juncture, one of the officers fired one shot at the car and the bullet hit its windscreen,” Kwan said.
He said the driver lost control on a bend, with the car smashing into railings and overturning. No one was shot or seriously injured in the incident.
As of midday on Wednesday, the three suspects were being held for questioning and had not been charged.
A police source said it was believed the car was being used to deliver drugs at the time of the incident.
He said police were trying to find the car’s owner, while investigating whether a syndicate was behind the drug-trafficking activities.
Police also appealed for witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact officers on 3661 3356. Detectives from the New Territories North regional crime unit are handling the case.
