Police investigate suspected serial bottle-throwing in São Lourenço

A suspected serial bottle-thrower is believed to be active in São Lourenço parish after two separate incidents in which wine bottles were hurled from height occurred at the same location within four hours on Sunday. No injuries or property damage were reported, though glass fragments scattered across the roadway and onto the adjacent sidewalk.

The first incident took place around 1 p.m. on Rua dos Milâncias. A resident heard a loud “smack” outdoors and discovered glass fragments on the road.

Public Security Police (PSP) officers arrived to find a pile of green glass wine bottle fragments on the roadway, with smaller pieces spread onto the sidewalk. Fortunately, no pedestrians or vehicles were passing at the time.

Officers moved the fragments to the roadside, interviewed nearby shopkeepers and residents, and conducted an investigation inside the building. Initial inquiries yielded no immediate suspects.

Then, around 5:30 p.m., police received another report of a glass bottle falling from height at the exact same location.

The second incident mirrored the first, reinforcing suspicions of deliberate bottle-throwing.

As of Sunday evening, no suspects had been identified.

Meanwhile, according to Macao Daily News. nearby shopkeeper told reporters that when opening for business on Sunday morning, blue glass fragments were found on the ground in front of the door. Those were later cleaned up by the cleaning concession company. It remains unclear whether those fragments were related to the two reported incidents.

Some residents have expressed growing concern for public safety.

Over the past week, between nine and 10 p.m., they said they had heard objects shattering on the ground at least four times. Given that Rua dos Milâncias sees heavy daily foot and vehicle traffic, residents fear that falling glass could cause serious injury or property damage.

One resident urged authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter. “If a bottle hits someone, the consequences would be unimaginable,” the resident said.

Criminal liability

for throwing objects from height

Under Macau law, throwing objects from height can be classified as a criminal offense. If falling objects injure passersby or damage vehicles, criminal liability is unavoidable. Even when no injuries occur, perpetrators can still be prosecuted for endangering public safety.

In a similar case at the end of December 2024, a suspected “flying knife” incident occurred in Fai Chi Kei, where a kitchen knife fell from height onto a sidewalk. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Police located a suspect – a local man in his 40s – inside the building. He admitted to throwing the knife out the window due to emotional issues and was referred for legal proceedings.

That case served as a stark reminder that objects thrown from height are not mere nuisances but potential lethal weapons.

The PSP has urged anyone with information about the incidents or who lives in or near the building on Rua dos Milâncias to report suspicious behavior.