Woman turns violent after payment dispute at Hong Kong restaurant in viral video

The incident happened shortly after midnight on Jan. 3 in the Sheung Shui area. According to police, staff at the restaurant called for help at 0:14 a.m. after the woman allegedly became agitated when her payment failed, Central News Agency reported.

Videos circulating online show the woman, wearing a black face mask, holding a cleaver and a pair of scissors as she confronted officers in riot helmets and carrying shields outside the shop. In one clip, she is seen rushing toward police and repeatedly striking their shields before being restrained and pinned to the ground.

CCTV footage from inside the eatery showed tables overturned and utensils scattered across the floor.

Police said the woman allegedly brandished a kitchen knife about 30 cm long, threatened staff and damaged a mobile phone inside the shop. She reportedly refused to cooperate when officers arrived and was subdued after a brief struggle.

The suspect, surnamed Lau, was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, criminal damage, and assaulting a police officer, according to Dot Dot News.

She remained conscious and was taken to North District Hospital for examination. Police said investigations are ongoing.