Dang Tu Thinh, 48, residing in Tan Do village, Phuong Duc commune, was indicted and temporarily detained two days ago by the Hanoi Police Investigative Agency on charges of murder. The charges stem from a recent incident where Thinh allegedly pushed a traffic police officer into an oncoming truck.

Authorities determined that around 13:35 on 11/11, Thinh was riding a motorbike without a helmet and was suspected of using a fake license plate on Provincial Road 429 in Phuong Duc commune. Spotting the violation, Captain Nguyen Duy Diep, an officer from Road Traffic Police Team 8, requested Thinh to stop for an administrative check.

Thinh asked to be let off for the violation, but his request was denied. As Officer Diep was leading Thinh's motorbike to the station for processing, Thinh unexpectedly embraced him from behind. Thinh then held onto Officer Diep and his motorbike, pushing them into the front of an oncoming truck.

In that dangerous moment, Captain Diep managed to avoid the truck's wheels, narrowly escaping death. Thinh's motorbike was dragged under the truck.

At the investigative agency, Thinh stated that in recent days, he had been suffering from headaches and had taken several pain relievers, leading to an unstable mental state. He said, "I don't understand why I acted so impulsively at that moment," and expressed remorse, admitting that "his actions were extremely dangerous." From a violation that would have only incurred an administrative penalty, Thinh now faces criminal charges of murder for his reckless act.

Dang Tu Thinh being subdued. Photo: Police provided

This recent incident follows a history of defiance. Previously, in 2024, Thinh drove a self-made three-wheeled vehicle onto the road, but police asked him to return home for violating regulations. Thinh refused to comply, resisted, and held officers from Hong Minh commune police, formerly Phu Xuyen district, captive in his home, obstructing public duty.

This act of Thinh's was recorded by residents and resurfaced on social media in recent days. At the time of this defiance, Thinh was not prosecuted.