PJ arrests seven after on-duty officer assaulted, identity reveal ends attack

[Photo: Yuki Lei]

Seven men have been arrested by the Judiciary Police (PJ) for allegedly assaulting an on-duty officer, who was only able to halt the attack after revealing his official identity.

Among the seven suspects, who range in age from 31 to 64, are three local men and four non-resident workers, including two Thai nationals and two Filipino nationals.

Reportedly, the on-duty PJ officer was investigating a criminal case outside a hotel in Cotai when one of the local suspects abruptly approached and challenged him on his presence there. The officer was then set upon by eight companions of the suspect, with some grabbing him from behind in a headlock, others pulling and restraining him, two punching and slapping him, and one seizing his mobile phone.

The PJ disclosed during yesterday’s press conference that the officer had refrained from revealing his identity to avoid compromising the investigation, only doing so after the assault began. His colleagues later intercepted nine individuals at multiple locations in Taipa and Coloane, two of whom were identified as witnesses.

Notably, after the officer revealed his identity, one suspect abruptly changed his attitude and attempted to buy time by offering to assist in recovering the stolen phone. During that time, the group scattered in different directions, and the suspect himself slipped away while the officer was contacting his superiors.

According to the PJ, the seven detained men are known to one another and had been socializing near the scene at the time of the incident, with some having consumed alcohol. Police added that the assaulted officer sustained injuries to his neck and arms, though he did not require hospitalization.