Cheung Chau man arrested for obstructing firefighters and damaging fire engine

A 48-year-old local man was arrested yesterday for allegedly obstructing public officers in the execution of duty and criminal damage after a heated clash with firefighters on Cheung Chau.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 13 when firefighters assisted in transferring a sick person to a government flying service helicopter at the Cheung Chau helipad. 

Several citizens ignored repeated safety warnings to stay clear of the landing zone due to dangerous rotor wash.

Later, as the fire engine left the helipad, the man followed, slapped the vehicle, and argued aggressively with a firefighter on Beach Road near St. John Hospital.

Video footage showed him shouting at firefighters, stating that they were wasting tax dollars and telling them to leave if they had nothing to do, while the officer retorted that people like him ruin Hong Kong.

The Fire Services Department reported the matter to police. After investigation, officers arrested the suspect on January 16 and seized clothing he wore during the incident. He remains in custody, with the case handled by the Marine Region police.