Hoi An group jailed after late-night shootout rocks quiet neighborhood

The Quang Nam Provincial People's Court on Monday found Nguyen Tan Dung guilty of attempted murder after he opened fire with a lead-pellet air rifle during a violent street brawl that left residents terrified.

Six other men received jail sentences ranging from two to three years for disturbing public order, following what authorities described as a premeditated confrontation tied to a personal dispute over debt collection.

According to prosecutors, the conflict escalated when both parties agreed to settle the matter through violence near Cam Kim Bridge. On the night of June 4, 2024, Dung arrived first, carrying a homemade knife, but left when the opposing group failed to appear.

Later that night, six men from the group tracked Dung to a house in Cam Chau Ward, arriving armed with a rubber-bullet gun, swords, and pepper spray. After confirming his location by phone, they stormed the property.

Dung responded by retrieving a scoped air rifle and fired several rounds as the group charged in. Although no one was injured, the sound of gunfire sent the attackers fleeing, only to return moments later, firing shots and throwing bricks at the house.

Outnumbered, Dung fled through a neighboring home before the group dispersed.

While the chaotic clash ended without casualties, it sparked fear throughout the normally peaceful neighborhood.