Hanoi police have arrested 33-year-old Nguyen Huu Duc for setting fire to a residential home in Hoang Mai district. The suspect, a rideshare driver, admitted to committing the crime in retaliation against the homeowner.

Planned attack caught on camera

On the night of February 19, after dropping off a passenger, Duc bought a bottle of soda, drank it, and kept the empty container. Around midnight, he covered his motorcycle’s license plate, wore a black mask, and purchased gasoline worth approximately $0.40.

Duc circled the area to confirm the house’s location. Once certain, he soaked a cloth in gasoline, stuffed it into the bottle, and hurled it through a metal gate, igniting the fire.

After setting the house ablaze, Duc fled the scene but later returned to check the situation. Seeing that the fire had been extinguished, he discarded the lighter used in the crime.

Nguyen Huu Duc was arrested while hiding in Hoang Van Thu ward, Hoang Mai district. Initially, he denied any involvement, confident that he had left no evidence behind. However, after intensive questioning and the presentation of CCTV footage and forensic evidence, Duc admitted to his crime.

Authorities confirmed that Duc has no prior criminal record and worked as a rideshare driver. However, his deliberate planning and attempt to cover his tracks demonstrated clear intent.

Six people inside, no casualties reported

The attack took place in a home on Dai Tu street, Dai Kim ward, where six family members, including elderly individuals and children, were sleeping. Fortunately, the fire was detected early, and no injuries were reported.

Security camera footage captured the suspect approaching the house on a motorcycle, throwing the gasoline-filled bottle through a window, and setting it alight before speeding away.

Hanoi police have classified the incident as attempted murder due to the life-threatening risk posed to the household. Investigations are ongoing, and Duc is expected to face serious criminal charges.

Dinh Hieu