In a harrowing incident that unfolded early on March 27, 2025, a 9-year-old girl was held hostage in her home in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, by a man armed with knives. The suspect, identified as Phan Van Tuan, 42, entered the house of T.T.H, a 39-year-old resident of Phuong Mao in Que Vo, demanding a motorbike and money as ransom for the safe release of the child.
According to Colonel Pham Van Ngu, the head of the Bac Ninh Criminal Police Department, the alarming situation began around 4:00 AM when the police received a distress call from the local authorities. Tuan had reportedly stormed into the home, brandishing two knives, and taken the girl hostage on the second floor, threatening her life if his demands were not met.
"After 4 hours and 30 minutes of tense negotiation, the police devised a strategic plan to safely rescue the child. They provided Tuan with a motorbike and cash to coax him down from the second floor," Colonel Ngu explained. Despite the police’s efforts, Tuan continued to hold the knife to the girl’s throat, escalating the danger.
In a dramatic turn, as Tuan moved towards the door to escape with the girl, the police seized the moment when the knife was briefly away from her neck. Officers swiftly intervened, apprehending Tuan and ensuring the child’s safety without any injuries. "We are relieved to report that the girl was rescued unharmed," Colonel Ngu stated.
Phan Van Tuan was arrested at the scene, and initial investigations revealed a troubling history. Tuan, a resident of Tam Kiet in Hai Phong, has three prior convictions, including two for illegal detention and one for drug possession. A rapid drug test conducted after his arrest indicated that he was under the influence of narcotics at the time of the incident.
Prior to the hostage situation, Tuan had allegedly caused a disturbance at the Co Thanh Health Station in Chi Linh, Hai Duong, late on March 26. He reportedly threatened medical staff with a knife, which prompted a police response. Tuan fled the scene and then hijacked a motorbike from a 22-year-old man named T.M.C, forcing him to drive towards Que Vo, Bac Ninh.
As they approached the area, T.M.C spotted a police patrol and shouted for help, leading to Tuan abandoning him and stealing another motorcycle from a nearby restaurant. This series of events culminated in the shocking hostage situation at T.T.H's home.
Colonel Ngu emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, "This is a particularly severe case involving drug use that led to violent criminal behavior, including kidnapping and extortion. The Bac Ninh police will continue to investigate and prosecute Tuan to the fullest extent of the law." The police are now working to gather more evidence and prepare a case against Tuan, who faces multiple charges related to his actions.
The incident has raised significant concerns among the local community about safety and the influence of drugs on criminal behavior. Residents expressed their shock and relief at the girl's safe return, but many are calling for more robust measures to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
As the investigation continues, the Bac Ninh police are urging anyone with additional information about Tuan’s actions or the circumstances surrounding the hostage situation to come forward. They are determined to ensure that justice is served and that the community can feel safe once again.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by individuals under the influence of drugs, and the lengths to which law enforcement must go to protect vulnerable members of society. As the community reflects on this traumatic event, many hope for a swift resolution and increased efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violent crimes.
