Hong Kong police have unconditionally released a customs officer who was arrested in January after he tried to intercept a motorcyclist who later crashed and died.
The police force announced the decision on Thursday almost eight months after the off-duty officer’s action became the subject of widespread debate over its appropriateness and legality.
“After further investigation and seeking legal advice, police were informed by the Department of Justice that no criminal prosecution would be initiated in this case. The man has been released unconditionally,” a spokesman for the force said.
But he said police had also submitted their investigation report to the Coroner’s Court, which would decide whether to hold an inquest.
The off-duty customs officer was arrested in early January on suspicion of tampering with a vehicle after he tried to stop a motorcyclist apparently fleeing from police in Kowloon Bay.
The 27-year-old rider later died at the scene after he lost control of the motorbike and crashed into a roadside metal pole and a tree.
Dashcam footage of the incident then shows the officer standing in the middle of the road, preparing to intercept the motorbike as it heads towards him at high speed.
In the clip, the officer’s right hand is briefly seen connecting with the rider as the bike speeds past him.
Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, anyone who tries to get into or tampers with any parts of a vehicle without authorisation commits the offence of tampering with the vehicle, and is liable to a HK$5,000 (US$64) fine and imprisonment for 12 months.
Asked if the officer had resumed duty, the Customs and Excise Department did not directly address the question and said it would handle the issue according to “established procedures”.
Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat had said that disciplined service officers would offer help when they saw injustice and that courage was in their genes, but their training stressed that safety was paramount when carrying out their duties. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
