Hong Kong authorities are intensifying their search for a suspect involved in a knife attack that occurred during a drug raid. Two individuals have been detained on suspicion of aiding the suspect in his escape. The incident took place in To Kwa Wan, where three customs officers were injured by the attacker.
The suspect, a 38-year-old male, is believed to have stabbed three customs officers during the operation on Thursday. According to reports, he inflicted injuries on their arms and legs before fleeing the scene at around 5 p.m. from the Honour Building in To Kwa Wan.
The situation unfolded when customs officers stopped the suspect during a drug-related operation and escorted him into a flat as part of the investigation. Inside the unit, the suspect suddenly pulled out a kitchen knife and attacked the officers. After wounding them, he locked himself inside the flat.
Police units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit and Emergency Unit, arrived at the scene and broke into the flat. However, the suspect was believed to have escaped through a window. Officers later found the suspected weapon on the stairs.
Two individuals were arrested following the incident, according to local media reports. They are accused of helping the suspect evade capture after the attack. The police are now working to trace the suspect’s movements and identify any potential accomplices.
After visiting the injured officers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on Thursday, Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat shared updates on their condition. One officer has since been released, while the other two remain hospitalized but in stable condition.
Chan described the attack as a “split-second situation” during which the officers were equipped with service pistols, handcuffs, and batons. When asked if the suspect had been restrained before the attack, Chan confirmed that the suspect was not yet under arrest at the time. He added that the customs department will review and enhance self-defence training for officers conducting drug raids.
Local media reported that police discovered the suspect’s car parked at a housing estate near the incident location. Additionally, a self-storage unit was raided, where suspected heroin was found.
Security chief Chris Tang expressed concern over the incident on social media, condemning the violence. He emphasized that customs and police forces will collaborate to track down the suspect and ensure justice is served.
Key Details of the Incident
- Timing and Location: The attack occurred on Thursday at around 5 p.m. in the Honour Building, To Kwa Wan.
- Injured Officers: Three customs officers sustained injuries to their arms and legs.
- Suspect’s Escape: The suspect fled the scene through a window after being confronted in a flat.
- Arrests Made: Two individuals were detained for allegedly assisting the suspect in evading capture.
- Investigation Findings: A vehicle linked to the suspect was found at a nearby housing estate, and a storage unit containing suspected drugs was raided.
Response from Authorities
- Commissioner Chan Tsz-tat:
- Provided updates on the condition of the injured officers.
- Noted that the suspect was not yet under arrest at the time of the attack.
-
Announced plans to improve self-defence training for drug raid officers.
-
Security Chief Chris Tang:
- Expressed concern over the violence.
- Emphasized collaboration between customs and police to locate the suspect.
Ongoing Investigations
- Police are continuing to search for the suspect and are analyzing all available evidence.
- The involvement of the two arrested individuals is under investigation.
- The incident has prompted discussions on improving safety protocols for frontline officers during high-risk operations.
The events in To Kwa Wan have highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement during drug raids and have led to calls for increased security measures and training. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice.