A 30-year-old man in China’s Guangxi province was arrested after allegedly attacking police officers with knives following the confiscation of his electric bicycle during a roadside enforcement operation.
The violent incident reportedly took place on the morning of May 22 while local traffic police were conducting checks on vehicles in the area. According to reports circulating online, the man was stopped by officers because his electric bicycle allegedly did not have a valid licence plate.
Authorities reportedly confiscated the electric bicycle during the inspection, which allegedly angered the man and triggered the violent confrontation.
Videos shared widely on Chinese social media platforms showed chaotic scenes as police officers attempted to fend off the suspect, who was seen chasing after officers while armed with two knives.
In the footage, several policemen carrying riot forks and batons could be seen trying to subdue the man while members of the public watched from nearby.
Photos circulating online also showed the aftermath of the confrontation. One image appeared to show a traffic police officer lying on the ground with his yellow reflective vest soaked in blood, while another officer was seen clutching his head with blood visible on his face.
Multiple injuries reported during confrontation
According to police reports cited by Hong Kong media outlet HK01, the attack resulted in injuries to five police officers during the intervention.
Two bystanders were also reportedly stabbed amid the chaos while officers were attempting to stop the suspect.
The injured victims were sent to hospital for medical treatment following the incident. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the severity of the injuries suffered by the officers and civilians involved.
The suspect was eventually overpowered and arrested at the scene.
The shocking incident quickly drew attention online, with many social media users expressing concern over the violence directed at law enforcement officers during what reportedly began as a routine traffic enforcement operation.
Investigation ongoing
Chinese authorities have since launched investigations into the incident to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the attack.
Officials have not yet released additional details regarding possible charges the suspect may face.
The incident has also reignited discussions online in China regarding electric bicycle regulations and enforcement measures, especially in areas where authorities have been tightening controls on unregistered or improperly modified e-bikes.
Electric bicycles remain a popular mode of transport across many Chinese cities, but enforcement crackdowns involving licence plates, safety checks and registration requirements have increased in recent years as authorities attempt to improve road safety and traffic management.
Police have not announced whether further updates regarding the injured officers or the ongoing investigation will be released in the coming days.