Police Sniper Shoots Hostage Taker From Between Colleague's Legs

A police sniper managed to set up his rifle between the legs of a fellow officer and take out a man who was holding a woman hostage.

SWAT Captain Zeng Hao said it was the first time he had to shoot a suspect - adding even more pressure.

The hostage incident took place on 9 August in Nanning in South China with shocking footage capturing the moment the suspect wrapped his arm around a young woman while holding a knife.

Members of the SWAT team, including chief negotiator Qi Hongwei and Captain Hao, were called out to the scene where the 18-year-old suspect became locked in a two-hour standoff with cops.

Five officers have since been recognised for their bravery during the incident.

Officer Qi recalled: "[The suspect] wasn't communicating; he refused to speak.

"I asked him where he was from and why he was doing this. Then I asked him to let the girl go and offered him water, but he said no to everything."

AsiaWire

Captain Hao, head of the Nanning SWAT First Tactical Unit, can be seen in the clip setting up his gun around a corner, standing behind one of his colleagues and poking the rifle out between his legs so the hostage-taker wouldn't spot him.

After two-hours, the talks between the suspect and the negotiator broke down and Captain Hao took his shot - with just four inches of the man to aim at, it was a delicate job, but one he was able to carry off.

The 18-year-old suspect, named only as Huang in local reports, was said to have been killed instantly. The woman held hostage was unhurt.

AsiaWire

Hao said: "I'd just finished training when I was called over to assist. I deliberately kept my training gear on in order to find the most suitable sniping position.

"I lay there for about two hours listening to the negotiations. My hands and shoulders went stiff many times, but I managed to stay focused and, in the end, shot the suspect in the head.

"Because the suspect was sitting behind the victim, holding her, only about 10 centimetres (four inches) of his head was exposed. Shooting anywhere else might've threatened the hostage, so I ruled out attempting to hit any other body parts.

"I've been a policeman for 19 years and taken part in many hostage rescue operations, but this is the first time I've had to shoot a suspect."

Topics: World News, crime

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19