A foreign national wielding a knife tried to grab an infant, apparently as hostage, when attempting to escape for not paying for food items from a supermarket in Penang today.
The suspect, a Vietnamese, had attempted to walk out of Billion supermarket in Butterworth when he was spotted by security guards, Seberang Perai Utara police chief Anuar Abd Rahman said.
Anuar said that in his attempt to escape, the man tried to grab an 11-month old boy from his mother, while brandishing a knife.
A scuffle broke out between the suspect and several members of the public before he was subdued.
A video of the incident made its rounds on social media. It showed the suspect arguing with two security guards before attempting to dash out of the supermarket.
One guard managed to catch hold of him and led him back into the supermarket.
The suspect was then seen wriggling free from the security guards and running away before snatching the infant from his mother’s arms, pulling him by his shirt.
Several men rushed to help rescue the baby and wrestle the man to the ground.
Anuar said police were investigating the case for burglary, causing injury, and criminal intimidation.
The suspect will be brought in the Butterworth magistrates’ court tomorrow for a remand application.
