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Formations hailed for calming salon standoff
 Standoff scene: YMT DVC Anthony Wong with EU KW officers outside the salon |
Kowloon West Emergency Unit and Yau Ma Tei Division officers received public accolades for their smooth handling of a recent standoff.
A 29-year-old man locked himself into a Woosung Street hair salon on April 18, and smashed everything in sight. Saying he had a financial dispute with the owner, he threatened to ignite gas inside the salon.
EU KW officers rushed to the scene while YMT officers cordoned off the vicinity and carried out other support.
EU Commander Senior Inspector Lee Li-fai said: "At one point we intended to break into the shop to end the incident but held back after the man showed a pistol-like object."
On high alert, officers donned bullet-resistant vests as Police Constable Leung Wing-wah tried to talk the suspect into surrendering.
"After a few words, the man seemed to back down but he demanded to meet the Divisional Commander personally, which caught us by surprise," PC Leung said.
DVC Anthony Wong Wai-fung said he could not understand at the time why the culprit wanted to see him, adding: "However, as DVC I was obliged to seize any opportunity to help solve the problem peacefully as soon as possible.
"Judging from my experience, the man wanted to get his message across and that could be an opportunity to resolve the matter. So, after taking all necessary precautions, I changed into plain clothes and approached him unarmed."
The culprit presented his case and a number of requests, and Mr Wong assured him all would be settled legally. Emerging quietly with the DVC, he handed the gun to officers, who later confirmed it was a toy, ending the two-hour siege.
Mr Wong said he was clueless as to how the culprit knew of him.
"We later found out he lived in Lei Cheng Uk Estate in Cheung Sha Wan Division where I worked before. And I guess he might have come to know me through various police community relations projects which I was actively involved in," he said. Mr Wong said his officers were relieved and proud they could end the standoff quickly and without casualties, particularly as the street was such a busy one.
"We were even more impressed with the overwhelming positive feedback from the media the next day. This shows just how much the public appreciates it when we do a good job."