The Hard-Hitting Lesson for Those Who Resort to Fisticuffs to Settle Road Rumbles.

Confronting the Brutality

On February 12th, the Investigative Police Agency of Tay Ho District, Hanoi, made a move by issuing a decision to prosecute and temporarily detain Tong Anh Tuan, a 39-year-old Lexus driver, for his intentional assault on a delivery driver following a minor traffic collision.

The Hanoi Police have temporarily detained Tong Anh Tuan as they investigate and handle the case of intentional assault.

According to the investigation, at approximately 12:30 pm on February 10th, in front of house number 41B, in an alley off of 50/310 Nghi Tam, Yen Phu Ward, Tay Ho District, an incident occurred where the driver of a Lexus car assaulted a male delivery driver. Images of the event were later shared on social media, sparking outrage and anger among the public toward the violent behavior of the young man driving the Lexus.

Immediately after receiving the information, the Tay Ho Police leadership instructed the District Investigative Police to coordinate with the Yen Phu Ward Police to promptly investigate and clarify the situation. Through their inquiries, the Tay Ho District Police identified the perpetrator as Tong Anh Tuan, who admitted to his violation during the questioning.

Further investigation by the District Investigative Police revealed that the incident stemmed from a minor traffic collision, which escalated into a verbal dispute, ultimately leading to Tuan physically assaulting the delivery driver, L.X.H. (born in 1994), with his hands, feet, and even a helmet, resulting in injuries to the victim.

Currently, the Investigative Police of Tay Ho District have decided to prosecute and temporarily detain Tong Anh Tuan for intentional assault to be handled strictly in accordance with the law.

Previously, on February 5th, the Investigative Police of Thach That District, Hanoi, also temporarily detained Nguyen Huy Van, an official at the District Land Development Center, for investigation and handling of his “public disorder” behavior. The decisions to prosecute the case and the defendant have been approved by the District People’s Procuracy.

Video clips circulating on social media depict an older man driving a sedan colliding with a pickup truck from behind. Regardless of fault, the man exited his vehicle and assaulted the young man driving the truck, resulting in injuries.

The investigating authorities determined that the incident took place on January 22nd in Thach Hoa Commune, Thach That District, Hanoi. The perpetrator was identified as Nguyen Huy Van, an employee of the Thach That District Land Development Center. Following the collision, Mr. Van engaged in a physical altercation with Mr. T.H.Th. (a permanent resident of Tan Son, Phu Tho, and the driver of the pickup truck), causing injuries.

The authorities promptly arrived at the scene to investigate the assault that occurred in Thach That District following a traffic collision.

Similar incidents of resolving traffic disputes with fists have occurred not only in Hanoi but also in many other provinces across the country, stirring public indignation. Most recently, in the afternoon of February 2nd, the Investigative Police of Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province, issued an emergency detention order for two brothers, Pham Van Tuyen and Pham Ngoc Tuan, for “public disorder.”

According to the investigation, at around 2:30 pm on February 1st, the Giao Thuy District Police received a report of an altercation at the Cồn Nhất ferry. By the time the police arrived, the individuals involved had already left the scene. Through their inquiries, the police identified the victim as Mr. Vu Duc T. and contacted him to invite him for questioning. However, Mr. T. stated that he was occupied with work and would send a complaint letter via postal mail.

The investigation revealed that the perpetrators of the assault were Pham Ngoc Tuan (born in 1980, temporarily residing in Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi, and originally from Binh Hoa, Giao Thuy) and his younger brother, Pham Van Tuyen (born in 1982, residing in Binh Hoa, Giao Thuy). Due to their relocation to Hanoi, it wasn’t until the morning of February 2nd that Pham Ngoc Tuan presented himself at the police station.

The initial investigation determined that Pham Ngoc Tuan was driving a car with his wife, heading from the Cồn Nhất embankment (in Hong Thuan Commune) toward Giao Thuy town on Provincial Road 489, with no intention of taking the Cồn Nhất ferry. Meanwhile, Mr. Vu Duc T. was driving his car from the Cồn Nhất embankment toward Thai Binh Province, intending to take the ferry.

When Mr. Vu Duc T.’s car approached the Cồn Nhất ferry, the vehicles were lined up on the right side of the road, waiting to board. It was at this point that a dispute arose between Mr. Vu Duc T. and Pham Ngoc Tuan. Tuan called his brother, Pham Van Tuyen, for backup.

Upon their arrival, an argument ensued, during which Pham Ngoc Tuan slapped Mr. T., and Pham Van Tuyen lunged through the driver’s window, assaulting Mr. T. with his hands and feet.

Subsequently, Pham Van Tuyen and his companion returned home, while Pham Ngoc Tuan drove to Hanoi, and Mr. Vu Duc T. proceeded to cross the Cồn Nhất ferry toward Thai Binh Province. The Giao Thuy District Police are currently investigating and handling the case in accordance with the law.

Giao Thuy District Police (Nam Dinh) question Pham Ngoc Tuan regarding the incident.

Violence is Against the Law

Legal experts emphasize that the law strictly prohibits assault and public disorder. Therefore, regardless of the reason, whether it’s a traffic dispute or any other motive, assaulting someone in public remains illegal.

The consequences for the perpetrators depend on the nature, severity, and outcomes of their actions. Those who engage in such behavior can face administrative sanctions or even criminal liability.

In cases where the assault results in injuries to the victim, and the victim requests criminal prosecution, the investigative agency can initiate a criminal case and prosecute the defendant for intentional assault under Article 134 of the Criminal Code, even if the injuries are below 11%. (The act is considered to have a thuggish nature, and the assault is deemed unjustified given the minor reason for the dispute.)

If the victim does not sustain any injuries or does not request prosecution for intentional assault, the perpetrator can still face criminal liability for public disorder under Article 318 of the Criminal Code. This legal provision ensures the safety of individuals in public spaces and safeguards citizens’ lives, health, honor, and dignity under the protection of the law.

Additionally, if the investigative authorities find evidence of intentional damage or theft of the victim’s property, the perpetrator can be criminally charged with robbery under Article 168 of the Criminal Code.

Pham Van Tuyen is questioned by the authorities regarding his involvement in the incident.

In recent times, many localities have taken a hard line against the use of physical violence to resolve traffic disputes. Most cases of public assault have resulted in criminal liability. However, due to various reasons, many individuals still struggle to control their emotions, lack essential life skills, and, most importantly, display a blatant disregard for others, readily resorting to violence to settle conflicts.

Therefore, law enforcement agencies must deal resolutely with such thuggish behavior to prevent negative influences on society. Simultaneously, there is a need to enhance traffic control, promote cultural sensitivity and respectful behavior, and encourage individuals to maintain a calm demeanor when faced with traffic collisions. Instead of resorting to violence to resolve disputes, every citizen should uphold the law, abide by traffic regulations, and embrace a civilized and courteous attitude.

Thanh Long (Tuoitrethudo)