Identity of foreign suspect in stabbing of Vietnamese police officer after crash

The suspect was identified as Damian Shrimanker, a 34-year-old British national, Cong an nhan dan (People’s Public Security) newspaper reported.

The incident occurred at around 11:40 pm on Wednesday on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street when a taxi collided with a motorcycle ridden by the foreign tourist.

Officers from Mui Ne Ward police, including Major Pham Nguyen Duc Lam and his subordinate Pham Hung Viet, were dispatched to the scene to handle the case.

According to initial findings, the tourist showed signs of intoxication and was believed to have caused the crash.

While officers communicated in English to clarify the situation, the suspect suddenly pulled out a knife and attacked Major Lam, inflicting serious injuries before fleeing the scene on his motorcycle.

The injured officer was rushed to the hospital by colleagues and local residents for emergency treatment.

Under the direction of Colonel Dau Xuan Bao, deputy chief of the provincial police department, a manhunt was launched.

The suspect was captured in the early hours of Thursday in Tan Minh Commune, about 70 kilometers from the scene.

Nguoi Lao Dong (Laborer) newspaper cited the police agency as reporting that Shrimanker remained aggressive after his arrest, challenging officers and refusing to cooperate, but later admitted to the crime.

Later the same day, Colonel Bao visited Major Lam at An Phuoc General Hospital, offering encouragement and support on behalf of the provincial police leadership.

Major Lam has passed the critical stage and is under close medical care, according to Lao Dong (Labor) newspaper.

Vietnam currently enforces a strict ‘zero tolerance’ policy on drunk driving.

Under Government Decree 168, effective January 1, 2025, fines and penalties for drunk driving are severe, including heavy monetary fines, license point deductions, and license suspension.

As per prevailing regulations, fines for alcohol-related traffic violations range from VND2 million (US$76) to VND10 million ($380) for motorbike riders, depending on blood alcohol levels, along with point deductions or license suspension.

For car drivers, penalties can range from VND6 million ($228) to VND40 million ($1,520), along with point deductions or license suspension, reflecting the government’s efforts to improve road safety.