On 5/1, Khanh was arrested by Krong Pak Commune Police and detained for two months on charges of intentionally causing injury, under Article 134 of the Penal Code.

Pham Ngoc Khanh at the police station. Photo: Ngoc Oanh

The investigation revealed that on the afternoon of 1/1, Khanh hailed a taxi to transport his wife and 3-month-old child home from Ea Phe commune. As the vehicle passed through Kmrong village in Krong Pak commune, poor road conditions and numerous potholes caused the infant to vomit. Khanh then asked the driver to reduce speed, leading to a dispute between them.

Enraged, Khanh lunged forward, grabbed the driver Thang by the neck, and repeatedly stabbed him in the face with chopsticks while the car was traveling at 17 km/h. Surprised by the sudden attack, the driver released the steering wheel, covered his face with both hands, and pleaded repeatedly. Khanh's wife, holding their infant, screamed but was unable to intervene.

Moments later, the driver, unable to stop the vehicle or unfasten his seatbelt, struggled to escape. Khanh then opened the door, moved to the driver's seat, and braked to bring the car to a halt.

At the investigative agency, Khanh admitted his actions were wrong. He acknowledged the serious risk that the driver might have accelerated, hit pedestrians, or plunged into a ravine, endangering his wife and child.

"Due to a moment of impulsiveness, I've become entangled in legal trouble, leaving my wife and young child to suffer at home. I feel deep regret now," Khanh stated.

Tran Hoa