Suspect of smashing Apple Store door arrested on re-entry to Macau

A man suspected of damaging the Apple Store door at The Londoner Macao before fleeing to the mainland was arrested by local police after attempting to re-enter Macau almost a week later.

The incident occurred during the launch of the new iPhone, but it remains unclear what motivated the suspect’s actions.

According to the police report, the suspect was arrested over the weekend while attempting to reenter Macau through Qingmao Port.

At a special press conference, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said that the preliminary investigation indicates the suspect picked up a 30-centimeter iron rod outside a recycling shop in Fai Chi Kei and a brick near the Macau Jockey Club before carrying out the attack, suggesting that his actions were premeditated.

According to earlier reports and a video circulating on social media, a shirtless man was seen repeatedly striking the Apple Store’s glass entrance with a hard object at about 12:30 p.m. on September 27. The Public Security Police Force (PSP) said it received a report from store staff and referred the case to the PJ.

The PJ added that the man first tried to damage the door with a brick, but after the brick broke, he switched to a metal rod. Police said the store estimated the damage at about MOP300,000.

After the incident, the suspect immediately fled Macau, so the police could detain him only days later when he re-entered the region.

Police said the specific motive is still under investigation, adding that there is no evidence that it is related to an alleged attempt to acquire the brand’s newest product.