Hanoi Man Arrested After Elevator Lobby Assault

Photo courtesy of VN Express

A dispute between children escalated dramatically when a man in Hanoi assaulted a woman in their apartment building lobby, ignoring attempts by security to intervene.

Dang Chi Thanh, 31, confessed to police that the confrontation arose from a spat between his son and the woman's child while they played in the Sky Central apartment building lobby on Dinh Cong Street.

The incident, which took place around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, was triggered when Thanh's son claimed he'd been “hit” by the other boy. Thanh demanded an apology from the child’s mother, who refused, sparking an argument.

Upon encountering the woman in the building's elevator lobby, Thanh again requested an apology. The situation quickly escalated, resulting in Thanh launching a violent attack.

Security footage captured the shocking scene as Thanh struck the woman twice in the face. As she tried to retreat, he kicked her in the stomach and followed up with ten punches to her face and head. Despite a security guard's intervention, Thanh persisted, aggressively attempting to continue the assault.

A fellow resident termed the children's quarrel as a “minor” matter but noted that the parents’ subsequent argument was loud and heated. Witnesses reported that after the attack, Thanh made threats against the woman’s life.

The building's management has remained tight-lipped but confirmed that on-site security personnel have provided statements to the police.

Thanh is now in police custody, being investigated for “disturbing public order.” Legal expert Tran Ngoc Thach noted that such behaviour seriously undermines public safety and order, highlighting the dangers posed by Thanh’s violent actions.

Under Vietnam’s Article 318 of the Penal Code, penalties for disturbing public order range from fines of VND5–50 million (approximately 7,500–75,000 Thai Baht), to non-custodial reform lasting up to two years, or imprisonment from three months to two years.

Such incidents underscore the far-reaching impact of personal conflicts on community safety, with authorities remaining vigilant as they proceed with the investigation.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-08-14