Australian man arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly carrying imitation gun

In Hong Kong, a 36-year-old Australian man was arrested at a bar in Yau Ma Tei on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm. According to police, he was apprehended a second time for criminal damage after allegedly damaging the detention facility while in custody. The incident began when a passer-by reported a suspicious individual near an alley at 213 Shanghai Street with what appeared to be a gun-like object.

Subsequently, the suspect entered a bar on Temple Street, prompting police to seize an air gun from him and arrest him for possessing an imitation firearm. Police noted that the man smelled of alcohol during his arrest. While being held at the Yau Ma Tei police station, the suspect grew agitated and smashed a wall near a smoke detector, leading to additional charges of criminal damage.

The Yau Tsim district crime investigation team is currently investigating the case. In Hong Kong, possessing an imitation firearm can result in up to two years in prison, while criminal damage carries a maximum sentence of ten years.