Distressed Hongkonger arrested over trying to snatch officer’s gun ‘in suicide attempt’
- Source says investigation shows man had thoughts of self-harm after visiting seriously injured wife at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The alleged attack on the traffic policeman took place after the man visited his wife, 38, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.
A source familiar with the case said on Wednesday two officers from the Kowloon West traffic unit were about to leave the ward at the time.
“The suspect suddenly launched an attack from behind, trying to seize one of the officers’ holstered handguns,” the insider said.
“The other policeman saw this and immediately intervened, subduing the man.”
He said the firearm remained secured in its holster throughout the altercation and the officer suffered hand injuries.
Police arrested the man on suspicion of assaulting a police officer and attempting to snatch his weapon.
On Sunday, the man and his wife were riding a motorcycle when they collided with a car on Lung Cheung Road in Wong Tai Sin.
His wife suffered leg fractures and was admitted to hospital in a serious condition. The man was treated for leg injuries.
The source said preliminary investigations suggested that due to concerns about his wife’s injuries, the man became emotionally distressed and attempted to grab the firearm because he suddenly had thoughts of self-harm.
As of Wednesday morning, the suspect was still being held for questioning. Detectives from the Yau Tsim criminal investigation unit are handling the case.
