HONG KONG, June 7 — Hong Kong police arrested a 48-year-old man early Friday morning in the city’s Central district on suspicion of driving under the influence after passersby reported a stationary vehicle with an unresponsive driver inside. The incident, which occurred on Lower Albert Road just before 5 a.m., resulted in no injuries but highlights the persistent dangers of intoxicated driving in the urban center.
Authorities swiftly responded after a concerned citizen notified police around 4:51 a.m. regarding a private car parked unusually, leading to fears the driver had fallen unconscious. Upon arrival, officers assessed the scene and identified the driver, surnamed Cheuk. Initial checks indicated a strong smell of alcohol emanating from the man, prompting a field sobriety test.
The police confirmed that Mr. Cheuk failed the mandatory alcohol breath test, exceeding the legal limit for driving. He was immediately taken into custody under suspicion of drunk driving and is currently being detained for further investigation. The specific legal threshold in Hong Kong for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 50 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood, or a breath alcohol reading of 22 micrograms per 100 milliliters of breath.
Zero Tolerance Stance
The early hour of the arrest underscores that drunk driving incidents are not confined to late nights or weekends. Central, a major financial and entertainment hub, is frequently patrolled, yet intoxicated driving remains a serious public safety concern.
“This arrest demonstrates the vigilance of both the public and our officers in maintaining road safety,” commented Chief Inspector Lam of the Hong Kong Police Traffic Enforcement Unit, speaking generally about recent efforts. “Our message is clear: zero tolerance for driving under the influence. It poses an unacceptable risk to every pedestrian and road user.”
Under Hong Kong law, the penalties for driving while exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit are severe, encompassing heavy fines, immediate license suspension, and potential imprisonment, particularly for repeat offenders.
Context and Public Safety
The incident follows ongoing campaigns by the Transport Department and law enforcement focusing on reducing traffic accidents through increased awareness and enforcement, especially concerning the “fatal five” behavioral factors: speeding, drunk driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, and fatigue.
The quick action of the passerby in reporting the stationary vehicle likely prevented a more serious situation. This type of timely public intervention is often credited by authorities for mitigating potential harm caused by impaired drivers. The case now proceeds through the legal system, where police will compile evidence before formal charges are laid.
Police urge all drivers to utilize public transport, taxis, or designated driver services if they plan to consume alcohol, reinforcing the principle that impaired driving is a preventable crime. Further details regarding the driver’s condition or the precise alcohol level were not immediately released, pending the formal police inquiry.
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