Police Clarify Jin Chen Traffic Accident; No Hit-and-Run or Criminal Offense Found

A traffic accident involving actress Jin Chen in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province has sparked widespread online discussion in recent days. 

On January 30, the Keqiao Branch of the Shaoxing Public Security Bureau released an official police report clarifying the incident and addressing rumors that Jin Chen had fled the scene or committed a hit-and-run.

According to the police statement, the accident occurred at around 3:07 p.m. on March 16, 2025, on Hutang Street in Keqiao District. Jin Chen, who held a valid driver’s license, was driving a rented black SUV when she swerved to avoid a dog that suddenly ran across the road, resulting in a single-vehicle accident. The crash caused minor injuries to Jin Chen and two companions, as well as damage to the vehicle, roadside warning signs, and a village wall. No fatalities or serious injuries were reported.

Police confirmed that Jin Chen, her assistant Xu Mouqing, and another companion were visiting Shaoxing for the first time and had been sightseeing in Keqiao Ancient Town earlier that day. After the accident, Jin Chen suffered facial injuries and urgently needed medical treatment. Accompanied by another individual, she took a taxi to Shanghai for examination and surgery, while her assistant Xu remained at the scene and reported the accident to the police.

During the initial traffic police investigation, Xu falsely claimed to be the driver. As the incident was identified as a single-vehicle accident with no immediate abnormalities, it was handled using simplified procedures. Subsequent investigations found that Xu did not file an insurance claim and that no insurance fraud had occurred. Relevant traffic violations will be handled in accordance with the law, and other related matters remain under further investigation. The enforcement actions taken by the traffic police have also been reviewed by higher-level public security authorities.

On the same day the police report was released, Jin Chen posted a public apology on Weibo, along with photos documenting her injuries. In her statement, she acknowledged that she was the actual driver and took responsibility for the improper handling of the situation. She explained that due to the suddenness of the accident and her medical condition, her assistant incorrectly informed police that he was driving. After recovering from surgery and learning the details of the case, Jin Chen said she immediately instructed her assistant to cancel any insurance claims and personally covered all vehicle repair costs and compensation for damaged public facilities. The compensation was completed in April 2025.

Legal experts have since weighed in on the incident. Zhou Zhaocheng, a lawyer from Beijing Anjian Law Firm, stated that based on the police report, neither Jin Chen nor her assistant constitutes a criminal offense. He explained that Jin Chen’s actions do not meet the legal definition of hit-and-run, as she sought medical treatment for genuine injuries and arranged for someone to remain at the scene and report the accident. However, the assistant’s false statement to police violated administrative regulations under the Public Security Administration Punishment Law and may result in administrative penalties.

Zhou added that there is currently no evidence that Jin Chen instructed her assistant to provide false testimony, meaning she does not face criminal liability. Any responsibility involved in the case remains within the scope of administrative law.

The incident has fueled intense public debate, in part due to Jin Chen’s status as a public figure. Commentators have noted that while the accident itself was minor, the handling of the situation highlights the higher standard of responsibility expected from celebrities. Authorities emphasized that traffic laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of social status or fame.

The police reiterated that the case involved no major injuries, no fatalities, and no criminal conduct, and urged the public to rely on official information rather than online rumors.