A man who threatened police and passersby in Lan Kwai Fong was subdued by police at around 10pm on Thursday night.

The man stood at an intersection of the busy nightlife district waving a meat cleaver. Officers with drawn guns surrounded him until one police officer was able to sneak up and tackle the man from behind. The suspect was then wrestled to the ground by officers and members of the public.

Witnesses also told local media that the man appeared to be drunk when he took the knife from a nearby restaurant.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of offensive weapons and criminal intimidation.

At least two police officers drew their guns during the standoff.

Man holding knife.
Man holding knife.

Three police officers and one civilian suffered minor injuries during the incident and were sent to the hospital.

HKFP has contacted the police for further details and comment.

Chantal Yuen is a Hong Kong journalist interested in issues dealing with religion and immigration. She majored in German and minored in Middle Eastern studies at Princeton University.