The young man who allegedly fired several gunshots from a guesthouse in the southern city of Can Tho on April 16 morning was identified as a police officer, according to local authorities.
Tong Hoang Phuc
During a press conference held this morning, April 16, Can Tho police announced that the man was identified as Tong Hoang Phuc, a police sergeant from unit PC65. Phuc was in charge of protecting the VN2 radio station in Co Do District. Phuc apparently stole an AK-47 rifle from the unit and rented a room at the 555 Guesthouse.
Witnesses said that when Phuc saw a police car from guesthouses roof, he immediately shot at it. All the roads that lead to O Mon District had been blocked. Nguyen Minh Kha, director of the police force in Can Tho city, said Phuc is the only son of a family in O Mon District, so they asked Phuc's parents to try and help persuade him to give himself up.
"When we received the news at 5am, we came immediately. My wife almost fainted. I called him but the calls went unanswered." Phuc's father said.
After a while, Phuc said he would submit if they let him meet his parents.
Police on the scene
According to Laodong News, Phuc had gone through a break-up with his girlfriend, and was upset that his attempts to salvage the relationship were unsuccessful. After stealing the gun and renting the room, he called his ex-girlfriend to come for a talk, but she refused.
Phuc then took an employee hostage who had seen the gun in his bag. Two other employees of the guesthouse came to look for their missing colleague and had to flee after Phuc threatened them.
Bullet casing
Later, Phuc was captured by the police while talking with his father. Luckily, even though Phuc fired dozens of rounds, no one was injured. Kha said Phuc would be expelled from the police ranks and that they are still investigating the case.
The authorities also found a suicide letter. In the letter, Phuc said he had not been a good son to his parents and hoped to repay all the loving he received in the next life.
