A Hong Kong man who was photographed carrying a gun on the MTR during rush hour this week was arrested for possession of imitation firearms.
At around 5pm on Wednesday, a tourist saw a man holding a black gun on a Tsuen Wan Line train from Tsim Sha Tsui to Admiralty, Apple Daily reports. Upon arriving at Admiralty, the tourist immediately filed a report with the police, who deployed Counter Terrorism Unit officers to the scene.
Authorities were not able to locate the man, who had reportedly changed lines and evaded capture. The case was handed over to the Central District Crime Squad, who located the 27-year-old suspect at his place of work, a fast food restaurant in Mong Kok, at around 10pm yesterday.
Police escorted the suspect back to his family home on Chatham Road North in Tsim Sha Tsui, and confiscated three imitation firearms — one revolver and two pistols — as evidence. Inspector Fong Hon-ho from the Central District Crime Squad said that one of the pistols is believed to be related to the case.
“Possession of imitation firearms and endangering public safety are serious offenses. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is seven years’ imprisonment,” the inspector said.
Fong said that investigations into the suspect’s background, mental state, and potential motives are still underway.
