Ao was arrested on 6/8 in Lam Dong province and charged with obstructing a public officer under Article 330 of the penal code.

Pham Van Ao at the police station. Photo: Police Department

On the evening of 26/7, a Lam Dong Province traffic police patrol stopped two men on a motorbike in Ham Thuan commune for a suspected traffic violation. Ao was the passenger. The driver's breathalyzer test revealed he had been drinking.

As the officer began processing the paperwork, Ao started yelling and tried to intervene. During the altercation, he punched the officer in the face, injuring him.

The police subdued Ao and, with the help of local authorities, documented the incident. A breathalyzer test also indicated Ao had consumed alcohol. Ao told police his actions were due to intoxication and a loss of control.

Tu Huynh