Councilwoman Sheila Tyson Urges Court to Revoke ‘Good Friend’ Chinese Restaurant Owner’s Passport

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Jefferson County District Attorney (DA) Brandon Falls honored Birmingham City Councilwoman Sheila Tyson’s request today to urge the court to revoke the passport of Chun Hin Ching, the owner of ‘Good Friend Chinese and Seafood’ Restaurant. A senior staff member in Tyson’s council office said the DA has filed an order with Judge Katrina Ross that would require Ching to surrender his passport.
Ching was arrested and charged with attempted murder on February 6, for firing a gun at a woman who complained after finding a roach in her egg roll. He was released on $100,000 bond.
 “It’s critically important that Chun Hin Ching face a jury of his peers right here in Birmingham,” said Councilor Tyson. “We absolutely will not tolerate business owners resorting to violence against customers as a means of settling disputes.”
Tyson sent a letter to Jefferson County DA Brandon Falls on February 25,  inquiring about the status of Ching’s passport. Ching closed ‘Good Friend’ shortly after the incident occurred, and has no apparent ties to the Birmingham community outside of the restaurant. The letter expressed concern that Ching—who is a Chinese national and U.S. citizen according to the U.S. State Department—might pose a high flight risk due to the seriousness of the charges against him.
 “I want to thank Brandon Falls for his quick response to our request. We want to set a precedent that anyone doing business in District 6 is expected to treat members of this community with dignity and respect,” said Tyson.
A preliminary hearing has been set on the matter for April 22, in the courtroom of Judge Katrina Ross.