500,000 yuan offered for arrest of shooting suspect

A photo of the murder suspect released by the police. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Chinese police have offered a 500,000 yuan (about $80,000) reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the shooting death of a social stability officer in Southwest China's Sichuan province. Police posted the reward in a wanted bulletin now circulating in the country.

Zhang Wei, of Tibetan ethnicity, deputy director of the security maintenance office of Xinglong County in Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture, was shot dead on his way back from a mission on June 14, sources with the prefecture said. The suspect is on the run.

Zhang had led a team to Chongcao Mountain to maintain order while locals were collecting yartsa gunbu, also known as caterpillar fungus, a rare plant that is highly valued as an herbal remedy.

He began making his way back last Saturday afternoon as locals finished collecting the plant. Zhang was shot by an unidentified attacker while he was in Tabu Village of Picha Township, according to the sources.

Police said their investigation has indicated the crime was premeditated and motivated by revenge, although the reasons for the killer seeking revenge were not specified.

Police have identified the fugitive suspect as Xiaga, a 35-year-old Tibetan-ethnic man from Langzhu Village, Tongxiao Township.

China has stability maintenance offices in each administrative level, from counties to central government, to handle disputes and complaints, monitor social conflicts and settle problems to secure social stability.