CANGGU, Bali — What began as an argument inside a popular nightlife venue in Bali’s Canggu district ended in gunfire, leaving a security guard and a Chinese tourist wounded by the same bullet, according to police.
Authorities say the suspected gunman fled Bali shortly after the incident, and a manhunt is now underway.
“We are pursuing the suspect, and officers have secured the crime scene,” Badung Police Chief AKBP Joseph Edward Purba said on Saturday.
2:50 a.m.: An Argument Breaks Out
The shooting occurred at The Shady Pig, a bar on Jalan Pantai Berawa in Canggu, at approximately 2:50 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
According to investigators, an altercation broke out between the suspected shooter and a 25-year-old Chinese national, identified only by the initials EA.
A 32-year-old security guard, identified as IMYM, stepped in to separate the two men in an attempt to de-escalate the confrontation.
The Situation Turns Violent
Police say the confrontation escalated moments later when the suspect allegedly drew a firearm and fired a single shot.
Standing between the suspect and the tourist, the security guard was hit first. Investigators said the bullet passed through his left thigh before striking the Chinese national, who was standing immediately behind him.
“There was an altercation between the suspect and the foreign tourist. The security guard intervened and positioned himself directly in front of the second victim. At that point, the suspect fired, with the bullet passing through the guard’s left thigh before lodging in the tourist’s left thigh,” Joseph said.
Both victims survived the shooting and received medical treatment.
Investigators Review CCTV Footage
Following the incident, officers from Badung Police and North Kuta Police processed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and began examining surveillance footage from nearby security cameras.
Police have also requested forensic medical reports from the hospitals treating both victims as part of the investigation.
“The Criminal Investigation Unit and North Kuta Police have gathered evidence at the scene and are analyzing CCTV recordings,” Joseph said.
Manhunt Continues
Investigators have recovered a number of items believed to be connected to the shooting, including blood-stained clothing and the copper-colored bullet projectile fired during the incident.
Police say identifying the suspect’s motive remains a priority, but no further details have been released.
“We are fully focused on apprehending the suspect so we can establish the motive behind the shooting,” Joseph said.
What We Know So Far
- The shooting happened at The Shady Pig bar in Canggu at around 2:50 a.m. on Friday, July 17.
- Police say the incident began with an altercation between the suspect and a Chinese tourist.
- A security guard who intervened was struck first when a single shot was fired.
- The same bullet passed through the guard’s leg before injuring the tourist standing behind him.
- Both victims survived and were taken for medical treatment.
- Police are reviewing CCTV footage and continue searching for the suspect, who is believed to have left Bali.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or announced a possible motive.