A 49-year-old mainland Chinese man was arrested in Central, Hong Kong, on Monday after he allegedly assaulted a security guard and extensively vandalized the prestigious Cheung Kong Center with red paint following a dispute over access to an office unit. The incident, which unfolded around 10:30 a.m. at the Queen’s Road Central tower, resulted in the injury of a 57-year-old security officer and prompted a swift police investigation into the chaotic scene.
The individual, identified only by the sur-name Chen, was visiting Hong Kong on a two-way permit when the confrontation began. According to initial police reports, Mr. Chen demanded entry to a specific unit within the commercial complex. After building personnel refused him access, he allegedly became volatile, reportedly splashing bright red paint across the lift lobby walls, a lift door, and surrounding glass panels.
When security guard Law intervened to stop the vandalism, he was allegedly assaulted by the suspect. Mr. Law sustained noticeable redness and swelling to his neck during the scuffle and was transported to Queen Mary Hospital via ambulance for prompt medical attention.
Escalation and Investigation
The altercation turned the usually serene, high-end lobby area into a crime scene marked by the pervasive red staining. Building staff immediately initiated intensive cleanup operations to remove the paint, which disrupted operations in the busy financial hub.
A spokesperson for the Cheung Kong Group, which manages the building, confirmed the sequence of events, stating that the individual was denied entry before the situation escalated. The spokesperson noted that frontline staff reported the man exhibiting “erratic behavior” prior to the alleged assault and vandalism. They emphasized that the matter is now fully under the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Mr. Chen remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of common assault and criminal damage. The case has been assigned to the Central District Police District’s Criminal Investigation Team 5 (CID 5), who are investigating the motive behind the man’s persistent demand for access to the unit and the subsequent, violent reaction.
“This is an extremely rare and unfortunate incident in a building known for its high level of corporate security,” stated Detective Inspector Fung Wai-man, speaking to local media about the incident. “We are investigating whether this was a targeted act related to a business dispute or personal grievance, given the deliberate nature of the vandalism.”
Implications for Commercial Security
The incident highlights the complex challenges facing security teams at major commercial landmarks in managing unexpected, aggressive confrontations. The Cheung Kong Center, one of Hong Kong’s most recognizable skyscrapers and home to numerous multinational corporations, relies on stringent security protocols.
“Security personnel are often the first line of defense, encountering high-stress situations daily,” commented Dr. Eric Lam, a professor of Criminology at the University of Hong Kong. “Their training must now increasingly cover de-escalation tactics when dealing with individuals who may be emotionally or psychologically distressed, not just typical theft or unauthorized access attempts.”
The police investigation is expected to focus on communications between Mr. Chen and the unit he attempted to access, as well as the history of his visits to Hong Kong. The severity of the charges will depend on the final assessment of the property damage and the extent of the security guard’s injuries. Authorities reiterated that incidents involving violent assault on security personnel in the city are treated with the maximum seriousness.
