On 19/12/2024, the Ho Chi Minh City Police announced the conclusion of their investigation into the actions of Hoang Van Hieu, 34, and Pham Van Thanh, 30. The police have recommended that the procuracy prosecute them for disturbing public order.

Hoang Van Hieu and Pham Van Thanh causing a disturbance with traffic police. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police

According to the investigation, on the night of 16/7/2024, after a drinking session, Hieu drove an oto carrying Thanh on Huynh Tan Phat street in Tan Thuan ward. A Southern Saigon Traffic Police Team signaled them to stop. Hieu ignored the signal and fled, but police intercepted the vehicle on Nguyen Thi Thap street.

Lacking a driver's license, Hieu told Thanh, who was licensed, to move into the driver's seat. Hieu then got out, shirtless, and loudly shouted at the traffic police to create a diversion. Taking advantage of the distraction, Thanh drove the oto a short distance further, leading police to believe he had been driving all along, before he also exited the vehicle.

At the roadside, Hieu refused to undergo a breath alcohol test. Thanh, meanwhile, verbally abused the task force and insisted he was the driver. The incident escalated, causing a commotion that drew curious onlookers, who stopped to watch, film, and take photos, leading to traffic congestion in the area.

Faced with Hieu and Thanh's uncooperative behavior, the traffic police team requested assistance from the Tan Thuan Ward Police. After over 30 minutes of unsuccessful persuasion, authorities had to restrain both individuals and transport them, along with the vehicle, to the police station.

At the police station, Thanh's breath alcohol test result was 0,614 mg/L. Hieu continued to refuse the test, so police took him to District 7 General Hospital for examination, where his blood alcohol content was determined to be 138,04 mg/dL, significantly exceeding the legal limit.

Initially, both men repeatedly argued, claiming Thanh was the driver to help Hieu avoid responsibility. However, after reviewing identification camera footage and video recordings with audio, police uncovered the full extent of their deceptive actions.

Confronted with this evidence, both individuals admitted to deliberately causing a disturbance to facilitate the driver swap. Further investigation revealed Thanh had a previous conviction for usury, having completed his sentence on 4/6/2024.

Nhat Vy