Inspector John Franklin Barnes, from the Waterfront Police Station, testified at the Criminal Sessions about his encounter with an armed robber in Des Voeux-road Central on January 2, 1963. Barnes reported firing three to four shots at the robber before losing sight of him in the crowded area.
The robber in question, identified as Chan Ngan, was facing charges of armed robbery, shooting with intent to murder, and shooting with intent to do grievous bodily harm. According to Barnes, he heard shots from the direction of Pottinger-street while at Wellcome Co, prompting him to investigate the situation. He then witnessed two Chinese men, one armed with a revolver and the other carrying a large brown leather bag, being chased by armed policemen at the junction of Pottinger-street and Des Voeux-road Central.
Subsequently, the Post reported that Chan unexpectedly pleaded guilty to stealing $130,160 from the cashier of Wang Kee and Co on the same day. This surprising turn in the trial occurred during the court’s resumption, with various police officers involved in the chase, including Inspector Barnes, providing their testimonies.
In essence, Inspector Barnes’ testimony shed light on the dramatic events that unfolded during the pursuit of the armed robber in Des Voeux-road Central. The details of the encounter and subsequent hearing in court added a layer of intrigue and suspense to the ongoing legal proceedings.