{
  "id": 14921653,
  "title": "Italian cyclist targeted by stone-throwing teens while camping in Sabah",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/italian-cyclist-targeted-by-stone-throwing-teens-while-camping-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T09:38:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/16/italian-cyclist-targeted-by-stone-throwing-teens-while-camping-in-sabah/239359"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ranau, Oct 16 - Police are probing a viral video depicting a group of adolescents allegedly hurling stones at an Italian cyclist who was camping in Sabah. The incident occurred at Kampung Lohan while the cyclist, Nicola Chiacchio, was embarking on a solo cycling tour across Sabah. Locals offered Chiacchio food and water during his stop, while children approached him to engage in conversation. However, as Chiacchio prepared to sleep on the night of Oct 8, a group of teenagers is said to have thrown stones towards him, possibly to intimidate him. The incident sparked concern among the Ranau community after Chiacchio shared the video on social media. Subsequently, the video was taken down after Chiacchio expressed a desire to avoid further escalation. Police investigations include interviews with the cyclist, visits to the incident site, and discussions with those involved. A special team has been assembled to probe the matter, with officers visiting the location and speaking to individuals connected to the incident. Chiacchio had traveled through several districts during his solo cycling expedition, with Ranau being one of his stops before proceeding to Kota Marudu and Pitas. While Chiacchio did not file a police report, stating the teenagers intended only to scare him, some youths reportedly apologized to him via social media. Despite this, police emphasized the seriousness of the incident and cautioned the public, especially young people, about the consequences of their actions. The police commended the Ranau residents for their concern and cooperation in maintaining peace and security in the district, while also praising the local community's hospitality towards visitors. Chiacchio's cycling journey has taken him through various parts of Sabah, garnering interest from the local communities along the way.",
  "summary": "RANAU, Oct 16 — Police have launched an investigation into a viral video showing a group of teenagers allegedly th...",
  "key_points": [
    "Italian cyclist Nicola Chiacchio targeted with stones in Sabah.",
    "Incident occurred at Kampung Lohan on Oct 8, 2023.",
    "Police investigating incident, emphasizing seriousness."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Italian cyclist targeted by stone-throwing teens while camping in Sabah",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/italian-cyclist-targeted-by-stone-throwing-teens-while-camping-in-14923999",
        "published": "2026-10-16T09:38:31.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}