A drone view shows suspect Hu A San hiding on a waterfall in a remote forest before being arrested by police in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam, June 13, 2026. Photo: Supplied
At around 11:30 am the same day, police in Hop Thanh Commune received a report from Chao Ong S., who said his 12-year-old son C.M.D. had been struck in the head with a hammer by Hu A San and died from his injuries.
Preliminary findings indicate the incident may have stemmed from a dispute after the boy allegedly used a slingshot to shoot at San.
Following the attack, San fled into a deep forest.
Authorities said the suspect showed signs of mental illness, making the search more challenging.
Lao Cai provincial police, along with local security forces, militia, and residents, launched a large-scale manhunt.
Officers used drones to track San’s movements in rugged terrain and implemented safety measures to protect both search teams and the suspect during the operation.
By 6:40 pm the same day, police captured San as he attempted to hide near a waterfall deep in the forest.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to clarify the circumstances surrounding the case.
