Knife-wielding man arrested for robbing and assaulting cop

Wallis Wang

Police arrested a 36-year-old man for robbing and assaulting an off-duty Police Tactical Unit sergeant with a knife on Saturday.

Sources said the suspect is a Pakistani man who has been living in Hong Kong for over 10 years. He holds a recognizance form for overstayers - more commonly known as a "going-out pass" - and as of yesterday was still in detention for investigation.

Speaking at a press briefing, senior inspector So Man-ho of the Yau Tsim District crime unit yesterday said the police received a report at around 2am on Saturday of a non-Chinese man attempting to steal a local man's wallet on Nathan Road in Yau Ma Tei.

"During their entanglement, the victim identified himself as a police officer but it did not stop the non-Chinese man from attacking his neck and limbs repeatedly with a sharp object. The victim also tried to subdue the suspect but failed," So said.

Police identified the attacker via surveillance camera footage and by noon arrested him at his Hung Hom residence, seizing a number of mobile phones and wallets.

So said the injured officer sustained multiple cuts. He was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and discharged the same day.

"This non-Chinese man attempted to commit crime and steal from citizens late at night when they were tired and less vigilant, and even prepared a sharp weapon," So added.

"Although such a case is not common, the police have zero tolerance of crimes involving serious violence and we are determined and able to solve such crimes."

He warned that robbery is a serious offense and criminals could face life in prison.

A passerby's video circulated online showing a knife-wielding man attempting to rob the sergeant.