By Zhan Lisheng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-29 10:24

DONGGUAN: Police in the Pearl River Delta city of Dongguan are investigating an incident in which a French factory manager allegedly fired a pistol during a meeting at work.

"We did not hear of the case until yesterday (Monday) afternoon. And as the suspect is a foreigner, we are handling the case according to law," a police officer, who declined to be named, told China Daily yesterday.

He said police were investigating the case, but refused to disclose any further details.

According to yesterday's South Metropolis Daily, the incident occurred at a French-invested wood product factory in Dongkeng town on the morning of August 18.

He Yonghua, the reporter who covered the story, said the factory manager, named Pierre, fired at the ceiling in rage during a meeting, after becoming angry with a woman colleague, surnamed Chen.

Pierre apparently argued with Chen over her refusal to approve an overtime payment for his assistant, as well as other administrative matters.

Chen was so frightened by the incident she quit her job soon after, He said.

"Several employees said the French manager was overbearing and moody and had a very bad temper," the reporter said.

He added: "Chen's ex-colleagues said they saw Pierre fire his gun and said he had done it before."

Neither Pierre nor Chen was available for interview, yesterday.

Lu Maobin, an associate professor with Guangdong Police College, said: "Any foreigner found in possession of a pistol, is liable to be detained and fined, or even deported."