The Judiciary Police (PJ) arrested an 18-year-old male high-school student for throwing drain cleaner at his female teacher on campus on Monday, the start of the new school year, PJ spokesman Leong Sok Man said during a special press conference held at PJ headquarters in Zape yesterday.
Leong identified the suspect, surnamed Tou, as a local resident and a student at the school.
Local media have identified the school as São João de Brito School (Saint John de Brito School), which is owned by the local Catholic diocese and run by Caritas Macau.
According to PJ spokesman Wong Yiu Man, the victim had previously taught the suspect when he was in Form 2 and had criticised him over his academic performance. After his Form 5 end-of-school-year ceremony before the school summer holidays, the suspect learnt that she would again be his class teacher in Form 6.
Believing that the teacher would target him again, as she allegedly did four years ago, he became upset and uneasy, Wong said. About a week before the incident, the suspect decided to attack her with drain cleaner so that she could no longer teach him, or that he would be suspended from school.
At around 8:00 a.m. on Monday, the suspect bought a bottle of drain cleaner from a supermarket near the school and placed it in his backpack. At about 8:10 a.m., he waited in the hallway outside his classroom. When the teacher walked along the corridor, he approached her and threw the drain cleaner at her, according to Wong.
The teacher fled and called for help. Other teachers restrained the suspect and called the emergency services. Officers from the Public Security Police Force (PSP), the Fire Services Bureau, and the PJ subsequently arrived at the scene.
The teacher suffered third-degree chemical burns covering approximately 18 percent of the skin on the left side of her face and body, with her left eye at risk of blindness, Wong said, adding that her injuries and recovery period were still being assessed by a forensic medical examiner.
According to Wong, the suspect also suffered mild chemical burns to both forearms and hands, and is expected to recover within 15 days.
Wong also said that the suspect has no previous criminal record but had been under emotional stress. There is no evidence that other students were involved, Wong pointed out, adding that his psychological condition and the reasons behind his stress remain under investigation.
He is suspected of committing the offence of aggravated bodily harm, Wong said.
The suspect was transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office (MP) yesterday for further questioning and the probable laying of charges.
Wong reminded the public not to resort to violence when facing conflict, and advised individuals experiencing difficulties to seek help from teachers or parents. Parents are also urged to pay greater attention to their children’s well-being.
For support, Wong underlined, the public can contact the PJ Youth Concern Hotline on 8800 5500.
Judiciary Police (PJ) officers escort the aggravated bodily harm suspect, surnamed Tou, from the PJ headquarters to a vehicle parked outside in Zape yesterday. – Photo: MPD
