Hong Kong police have unconditionally released a customs officer who attempted to intercept a motorcyclist, a move that resulted in the biker crashing and dying.
The police announcement, made on Thursday, came more than eight months after the customs officer’s arrest for alleged vehicle tampering.
“After further investigation and seeking legal advice, the police were informed by the Department of Justice that no criminal proceedings would be instituted in this case, and the man has been released unconditionally,” the police said in an emailed reply on Thursday.
The police have also submitted an investigation report to the Coroner’s Court, which will decide whether a death inquest should be held, the statement read.
After the incident in January, the officer was arrested for vehicle tampering and was granted bail pending investigation. The incident sparked outcry over public accountability and the legality of the officer’s actions.
Prior to his arrest, lawmaker and solicitor Doreen Kong said that officer could have been charged with manslaughter, which does not require proof of intent, only of gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
In Hong Kong, the maximum penalty for manslaughter is life imprisonment.
Dashcam footage that circulated widely following the incident shows the officer, who was off duty at the time, stepping in front of the motorbike.
The customs officer sidestepped a head-on collision but appeared to try and grab the biker, a 27-year-old whose surname was given as Wong.
Another dashcam video shows what appears to be Wong’s helmet flying off as his vehicle veered left, fell over, and crashed into a lamppost, sustaining serious injuries. He was later pronounced dead on the scene.
