Phnom Penh police say bridge incident was a rescue, rejecting kidnapping claims

On the evening of October 24, Phnom Penh police issued a statement disputing viral claims that officers had arrested a woman who climbed a bridge. Police said it had been an emergency rescue, not an arrest or detention. According to the account, the incident happened at 7:45 p.m. on October 22 at Techo Bridge in Phnom Penh’s Chbar Ampov district. A 31-year-old Chinese woman, identified phonetically in the report as 杨美琴, had argued with her boyfriend and become distressed while intoxicated. She climbed onto the railing and held a utility pole, appearing to be at risk of suicide. Police said officers and members of the public brought her to safety as many onlookers gathered. She was then taken to the local police station for counselling and reassurance. According to police, she said she had acted impulsively after a relationship breakdown and wanted to draw her boyfriend’s attention. Police urged people to value life and avoid dangerous acts as expressions of distress. They also called on the public not to circulate claims that she was seeking help after being kidnapped or was violently arrested, saying such claims were false and could cause misunderstanding and alarm. Compiled by this station.