On 22/12, Hanoi City Police announced that the Criminal Investigation Agency is temporarily detaining Nga, a resident of Tu Liem ward, for investigation into public disorder. Nga has one prior conviction and one prior administrative violation for property theft.

Phuong Thi Nga at the investigative agency. Photo: Police provided.

Previously, around 10:25 a.m. on 15/12, Nga was going to the market via alley 12, lane 31 Tran Quoc Hoan when she noticed a package under an electric scooter. Observing no one was paying attention, she took the package and rode away on her scooter.

At this point, the 19-year-old student realized her item was missing and chased after her on a scooter. When they reached alley one, lane one Tran Quoc Hoan, the package fell. Nga stopped her scooter and put it in her trunk. The student caught up and asked for it back, but Nga refused.

Police determined that Nga not only refused to return the item but also verbally abused and hit the student, only stopping when bystanders intervened. Even after stopping the assault, Nga still didn't return the item, instead forcing the victim to kneel and "beg for it back".

Under pressure from surrounding residents, Nga opened the trunk, took out the package, and threw it directly at the victim's face. After throwing it, she continued to hit the victim until people intervened decisively. The entire incident was video recorded and posted on social media.