Hong Kong police arrest man, 23, over acts of vandalism targeting ethnic minority residents
- Suspect’s alleged activities against On Yam Estate residents include leaving human waste outside their flats, cutting off utilities and dropping water-filled bags on children
- ‘We believe the suspect allegedly carried out the illegal acts in the estate due to his personal hatred against ethnic minority residents,’ police say
Hong Kong police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with a spate of vandalism and nuisance-related activities targeting ethnic minority residents from dozens of households at a public estate.
Superintendent Alan Chung, a Kwai Chung divisional commander, said on Saturday that an investigation showed the victims at On Yam Estate were the target of an escalating trend of illegal acts over recent weeks.
The suspect allegedly left human waste and other rubbish outside the flats of his victims and hurled water-filled bags from above at children playing on the estate’s playgrounds.
“This month, the water supply to more than 10 ethnic minority families was disconnected,” Chung said.
The superintendent said the investigation showed water switches at the rear staircase on various floors in the estate’s three buildings were turned off after padlocks on their cases were broken open and replaced.
Police responded to the spate of incidents by stepping up patrols at the estate and deploying plain-clothes officers to conduct surveillance.
Officers arrested the suspect at around 10pm on Friday after spotting two water-filled bags being hurled from atop the estate’s Hong Yam House at two children playing on a volleyball court outside.
The man was detained on suspicion of criminal damage, theft and throwing objects from a height.
Chung said the investigation suggested the man had acted alone.
“We believe the suspect allegedly carried out the illegal acts in the estate due to his personal hatred against ethnic minority residents,” the superintendent said.
Hong Kong man arrested after police find stash of 18 handguns plus ammunition
The Post learned that the man was previously jailed for several months after attacking an ethnic minority resident with a catapult two years ago.
The suspect was still being held for questioning as of Saturday morning.
Chung said the police would keep up high-profile patrols at the estate to ensure the safety and security of residents.
The force would also make efforts to engage with ethnic minority residents to provide them reassurance and address any social security concerns.
