HONG KONG, November 4, 2025 — Police in Hong Kong’s Central District today arrested a 49-year-old mainland Chinese visitor following a violent argument and extensive property damage at the prestigious Cheung Kong Center on Monday morning. The suspect, identified only by the surname Chen, is being held on suspicion of common assault and criminal damage after allegedly splashing red paint across a lift lobby and assaulting a security guard who attempted to intervene.
The incident unfolded around 10:30 a.m. at the high-profile commercial tower on Queen’s Road Central. According to police reports, Mr. Chen, who held a two-way permit allowing temporary entry into Hong Kong, became erratic after being denied access to an internal unit within the building. Upon being refused entry, the man allegedly retaliated by producing a container of red paint and deliberately vandalizing the common area.
The confrontation escalated when a 57-year-old security officer, Mr. Law, intervened to stop the destruction. During the resulting scuffle, the guard sustained minor injuries, including redness and swelling to his neck. Emergency services transported Mr. Law to Queen Mary Hospital for immediate medical attention.
Vandalism Shocks Financial Hub
Witnesses described a scene of chaos, with large swathes of the lift lobby, including a lift door and adjacent glass panels leading toward Garden Road, left covered in bright red paint. Building management staff immediately initiated extensive clean-up operations to clear the damage in the busy financial hub.
A spokesperson for Cheung Kong Group confirmed the disruption, noting that the individual in question was refused entry to the premises shortly before the attack. The group emphasized that the matter is now solely in the hands of law enforcement. “Our frontline personnel observed that the individual was displaying markedly erratic behavior prior to the incident,” the spokesperson stated, acknowledging the swift response of their security team.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by security personnel operating in high-value commercial centers, where tensions can quickly erupt. “Security staff are the first line of defense, and sadly, assaults during their professional duties are becoming an increasing concern city-wide,” observed Dr. Clara Yu, a criminologist specializing in urban security at the University of Hong Kong. “Buildings of this stature require robust protocols for managing confrontations, especially when visitors display signs of distress or agitation.”
Police Investigate Motive
The arrested man remains in police custody for questioning. Authorities confirmed that the case has been assigned to the Central District Police District’s Criminal Investigation Team 5 (CID) for comprehensive follow-up. Investigators are focusing on determining the suspect’s relationship with the occupants of the unit he attempted to access and the specific motive behind the violent vandalism.
Criminal damage and common assault carry significant legal penalties under Hong Kong law. Depending on the extent of the damage and the severity of the assault charge, the suspect could face substantial fines or imprisonment.
The quick arrest reassures tenants in the building, which houses numerous multinational corporations, demonstrating police responsiveness to public disruption in the core business district. Further updates are expected as CID Team 5 completes its preliminary inquiry into the unusual and aggressive act of property destruction.
