BULELENG, DEWATA.NEWS – Police in Bali say a British national accused of stabbing a resort employee in the Menjangan tourism area was allegedly heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The suspect, identified by initials AM and named by police as Aaron Michel, was arrested late Tuesday night (May 5, 2026) after allegedly attacking a front office employee at Menjangan Dynasty Resort in Pejarakan Village, Gerokgak District, Buleleng Regency.
According to Buleleng Police Chief AKBP Ruzi Gusman, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol when the suspect was detained in Gilimanuk, Jembrana. As of Wednesday (May 6), police said the suspect’s condition was still unstable, limiting investigators’ ability to conduct a full interrogation.
“We are still investigating the motive. Last night, the suspect allegedly arrived at the hotel smelling of alcohol. He has not been fully interrogated because he was still incoherent. Once he is fully conscious, we will question him further so the statement remains clear and consistent,” Ruzi said.
Based on preliminary witness statements, the suspect arrived at the resort before being approached by staff who asked whether he intended to stay at the hotel or visit the café area.
The victim, identified by initials IBP, then approached the suspect to explain resort procedures in accordance with standard operating protocols.
Police believe an argument may have occurred before the attack, although the exact trigger remains unclear because the victim is still receiving intensive medical treatment for serious injuries.
“The victim is still undergoing treatment, so we do not yet have a complete statement. At this stage, investigators are relying on witness accounts and CCTV footage,” Ruzi explained.
Authorities said surveillance footage captured the attack, showing the suspect allegedly using a knife to stab the victim, causing severe injuries to the eye area.
So far, police have questioned two witnesses, including the resort manager and a security officer.
After the incident, the suspect fled the area in a white Suzuki Fronx with Bali license plate DK 1461 FCG. Buleleng Police coordinated with officers at Gilimanuk Port to tighten monitoring of exit routes from Bali.
At around 23:37 WITA, officers located and arrested the suspect near a row of shop houses in Gilimanuk, Jembrana Regency.
Police are still investigating whether the suspect intended to leave Bali or had another destination.
“We do not yet know whether he was trying to flee Bali or heading somewhere else. We immediately distributed the information and activated patrol monitoring based on CCTV tracking until the suspect was secured,” Ruzi added.
The investigation into the stabbing case is ongoing.