The man shot dead by police after taking a hostage in Tuen Mun Town Plaza had triad links, a criminal record and was carrying drugs, with police not ruling out that he was under the influence, senior officers said at a briefing late Thursday.
He may also have had mental health issues, which police are exploring with his family. The female hostage suffered minor abrasions and was taken to hospital.
Police from the New Territories North Emergency Unit chose to intervene tactically due to the incident's severity, firing their weapons as a last resort to save the hostage's life, said Tuen Mun Deputy District Commander Wong Ho-hon. He said the suspect was shot in the body's largest area and the use of force "fully complied" with strict guidelines, emphasizing the decision was not easy.
Police received a report at 7.10pm that a suspicious man took a knife from a Donki food stall at the plaza. He was later seen on Tuen Wui Street waving a 12-inch knife as people fled. An officer fired a pepper spray round but it was ineffective.
The man entered the mall, exited another door and raised the knife to attack a woman. After another warning was ignored, two officers each fired one shot, subduing him and rescuing the woman. Officers then administered first aid.
The man was shot in the chest and shoulder and later pronounced dead at hospital. The exact fatal wound is pending examination. One bullet was found in his body, a bullet hole was discovered in a restaurant wall, and two shell casings were recovered at the scene.
