DA NANG, VIETNAM — A chaotic scene unfolded in the coastal city of Da Nang when an Australian tourist went on a violent, shirtless rampage inside a popular local coffee shop. The 30-minute frenzy left the establishment severely damaged, terrified patrons fleeing for safety, and the perpetrator in police custody.

The incident occurred at the Gé Cafe on Le Hong Phong Street in the early hours of Saturday, May 30, 2026.

According to cafe management and local authorities, the disturbance began just before midnight on May 29. The Australian national entered the cafe and sat down, prompting staff to approach him to explain that orders had to be placed at the front counter.

Seeing a potential communication barrier, a Vietnamese customer at a neighboring table kindly offered his mobile phone to help translate the conversation. However, the situation quickly took a bizarre turn when the tourist refused to hand the phone back, laughing as he continued to scroll through the stranger's device.

As unusual behavior escalated, staff attempted to call for security. Before they could reach help, the tourist suddenly stood up, tore off his shirt, smashed the customer's phone, and issued a chilling ultimatum: everyone inside had 10 seconds to evacuate the building.

Panicked staff and customers rushed for the exits, abandoning their personal belongings in a desperate bid to escape.

CCTV footage and videos shared by the business captured the shirtless man wielding a heavy wooden chair, using it to aggressively smash high-end commercial espresso machines, grinders, and brewing tools off the bar counter. The tourist then grabbed a customer’s laptop from a table, struck it violently against his own knee to rip the screen from the keyboard, and hurled the shattered pieces through the cafe's large glass windows.

The destruction extended to antique decorative pieces and large tempered glass doors, which were entirely shattered during the frenzy.

Local police arrived at the scene within five minutes of the initial disturbance, but the suspect refused to surrender. Instead, he fled to the upper floors of the cafe, where several patrons had become trapped during the chaos.

On the second floor, a brief standoff ensued as the tourist engaged in a scuffle and placed a male customer into a tight neck hold. Shouting and aggressively resisting, the suspect held the man for about two minutes before police officers and brave bystanders managed to rush forward, overpower the tourist, and restrain him.

The suspect was officially arrested and taken to the local police station at approximately 12:30 AM on May 30.

The management of Gé Cafe announced that the business will remain closed for several days to clear the immense pile of debris, complete structural repairs, and cooperate with law enforcement.

The Australian tourist remains in temporary detention in Da Nang facing intense questioning as the criminal investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) confirmed they are aware of the situation and are providing consular assistance to the man's family.