A 32-year-old customer in Hong Kong allegedly armed herself with a meat cleaver and scissors after her phone died while trying to pay for a meal on Jan. 3. CCTV footage shows other diners fleeing and a dozen police officers responding with helmets, shields and batons. Officers reportedly used pepper spray before restraining her and carrying her out on a stretcher; she sustained a minor hand injury. Local outlets say the incident lasted about 15 minutes and she was arrested on multiple charges.
Hong Kong Woman Allegedly Attacks 12 Police Officers With Meat Cleaver After Phone Dies
NewsflareMeat cleaver-yielding woman fights police officers in Hong Kong restaurant
A 32-year-old woman in Hong Kong was arrested after an alleged confrontation with police that began when her phone battery died while she was trying to pay for a meal, video and local reports say.
What Happened
According to Newsflare and local media, the incident began on Saturday, Jan. 3, when the customer discovered her phone had no power while attempting to settle a bill at a noodle restaurant. Staff members say they offered to help charge her phone and that her behaviour initially appeared normal. Allegedly, the situation escalated when the woman grabbed a meat cleaver and a pair of scissors from the restaurant kitchen.
The Confrontation
CCTV footage released by local outlets shows other diners fleeing as the woman stood amid scattered food, phones and chopsticks. The restaurant owner called police and a dozen officers from the Hong Kong Police Force arrived equipped with helmets, shields and batons, according to the South China Morning Post.
Video shows some officers entering through the main entrance while others approached via a side door. The woman is seen charging at officers and swinging the cleaver at their shields. Reports indicate police used pepper spray during attempts to subdue her.
Aftermath
Officers eventually restrained the woman and removed her from the restaurant on a stretcher. She sustained a minor hand injury and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Local outlets report the whole incident lasted about 15 minutes. Authorities say she was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, causing criminal damage and assaulting police officers.
Sources: Newsflare, South China Morning Post, PEOPLE (no immediate response from Hong Kong Police at the time of reporting).
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