057 Arrest

Clap, clap.

Zheng Kaixuan clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention to himself.

“You’ve all read the transcript. Let’s hear your thoughts.”

“The reason I initially dismissed Chen Kangning as a suspect was mainly because he’s too overweight to meet the conditions for high-altitude climbing. With the clues Han Bin provided, we’ve already ruled out the possibility of entering through the window. I think we should reconsider him as a suspect,” said Zhao Ying.

“This Chen Kangning is pretty arrogant—not like someone coming in to give a statement, more like he’s here to interrogate the police,” said Li Hui.

“I believe Chen Kangning is highly suspicious. He lives right in Linfang Community and is familiar with the surroundings. He wouldn’t need to enter or exit the community before or after the crime, so he could easily avoid surveillance at the elevator, the main gate, and the underground garage, leaving no evidence behind,” Han Bin said seriously.

While reviewing the footage, Han Bin employed micro-expression analysis and noticed that although Chen Kangning appeared furious during his statement, the anger seemed staged—there was no sign of surprise or nervousness.

This reaction was not typical.

Zheng Kaixuan turned to Zhao Ying beside him. “Last time, how did Chen Kangning enter the premises for theft?”

“According to the records, Chen Kangning is skilled in lock picking. Using burglary tools and a master key, he can unlock a standard lock cylinder within a minute,” Zhao Ying replied.

“That makes sense. He’s adept at picking locks and knows the community well. To avoid suspicion, he deliberately broke the glass to create the illusion of entry through the window,” Zheng Kaixuan analyzed.

“Tsk, tsk, this guy is really something—almost got away with it,” Li Hui smacked his lips.

“Captain Zheng, the problem is, all this is just our speculation. There’s no direct evidence linking him to the case,” Zhao Ying spread his hands.

“That’s why he’s so arrogant,” Zheng Kaixuan snorted.

“Captain Zheng, I suggest we apply for an arrest warrant and a search warrant. Before the suspect has a chance to move the stolen goods, we should catch him red-handed,” Li Hui proposed.

“It’s been over thirty hours since the crime. The suspect may have already moved the stolen items,” a member of the first team pointed out.

“Every minute counts. I still think we should detain the suspect first,” Li Hui insisted.

Zheng Kaixuan pondered for a moment. “Here’s what we’ll do. Zhao Ying, take a team to stake out Chen Kangning’s home and await my orders.”

“Team two, check the surveillance footage to see if Chen Kangning has left the community since the incident.”

“I’ll go apply for the search and arrest warrants.”

“Yes, sir.”

...

Forty minutes later.

Zhao Ying, accompanied by the first team, Han Bin, and Li Hui, arrived at Linfang Community.

Zhao Ying led the first team to set up surveillance.

Han Bin and Li Hui went to the neighborhood committee office to review footage from 9 p.m. last night to the present.

Tian Li and Zhao Ming stayed at the precinct to review yesterday’s surveillance, saving forty minutes.

Chen Kangning’s larger build made him easy to spot on camera. The four members of the second team sped up the footage and managed to check the footage from the main gate and underground garage within an hour.

...

After a while, Zheng Kaixuan arrived at the community with the search and arrest warrants and called Zhao Ying, Han Bin, and Li Hui over.

“How’s the task going?” Zheng Kaixuan asked.

“Captain Zheng, we’ve reviewed the surveillance again. Since the incident, Chen Kangning has only left the community once, which was when we summoned him to the station for a statement. He didn’t carry any luggage, so we suspect the stolen goods haven’t been moved,” Han Bin analyzed.

“Is Chen Kangning at home?”

“We saw him return to the community around one o’clock and he hasn’t left since,” Han Bin said.

“I’ve already stationed people at the elevator and stairwell,” Zhao Ying reported.

Zheng Kaixuan waved his hand. “What are we waiting for? Let’s arrest him.”

...

Chen Kangning lived in Building Three, Unit One, Apartment 1702.

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

“Neighborhood committee.”

“What’s the matter?”

“There have been several thefts in our community. We’re conducting a survey.”

“My place is fine. You can go,” Chen Kangning replied.

“That’s good. Please sign here.”

“Such a hassle.” Chen Kangning grumbled, reluctantly opening the door.

“Don’t move! Police!”

The first team rushed in, surrounding Chen Kangning.

“What are you doing?” Chen Kangning demanded.

“Chen Kangning, we suspect you’re involved in a series of thefts. Please come with us to assist in the investigation,” Zhao Ying presented the arrest warrant.

“Officer Zhao, are you making a mistake? I just gave my statement this morning. Weren’t you the one who told me I could leave?” Chen Kangning retorted.

“The evidence was insufficient then. Now we need to re-investigate,” Zhao Ying raised his chin, signaling the team. “Search.”

“Hey, what right do you have to search my home? The arrest warrant doesn’t grant permission to search,” Chen Kangning protested.

“You seem pretty knowledgeable,” Zhao Ying snorted.

“I learned my lesson last time for not knowing the law. Otherwise…” Chen Kangning pursed his lips.

Zhao Ying produced the search warrant. “Take a look at this. We have the authority now.”

“Go ahead.” Chen Kangning shrugged, looking unconcerned.

...

“Chen Kangning, you really aren’t nervous at all,” Han Bin observed him.

“I walk upright and act justly, with a clear conscience!” Chen Kangning replied solemnly.

Zheng Kaixuan frowned. Chen Kangning was far too confident, showing not the slightest nervousness. In his experience, this was not a good sign.

After a while, the team members conducting the search returned one by one.

“Captain Zheng, nothing found.”

“No abnormalities detected.”

“No stolen goods.”

“Nothing noteworthy.”

With everyone coming back empty-handed, Zheng Kaixuan’s expression grew grim.

...

“You must be Captain Zheng,” Chen Kangning smiled. “This has nothing to do with me. You’ve got the wrong person.”

“It’s too early to say that,” Zheng Kaixuan snorted.

“I can see now—you and Officer Zhao are just prejudiced against me,” Chen Kangning turned his head aside.

Zheng Kaixuan waved his hand. “Take him away.”

After Chen Kangning was escorted out, Zhao Ying came over. “Nothing found in Chen Kangning’s home—no items related to the case.”

“Any findings from team two?” Zheng Kaixuan looked at Han Bin and Li Hui.

“Nothing for now,” Li Hui replied.

Zheng Kaixuan pondered for a moment. “I’ll give you twelve hours. You must find the stolen goods and evidence.”

“Yes, sir.”

Zhao Ying responded. “Captain Zheng, I’d like to personally interrogate Chen Kangning.”

“Captain Zheng, I’d like to conduct the interrogation as well,” Han Bin volunteered.

Both spoke almost simultaneously.

Zheng Kaixuan nodded, glanced at the two, and rested his hand on Han Bin’s shoulder. “I’ll be waiting for your news.”

“Yes, sir!”