A man suspected of being a North Korean army deserter killed four Korean-Chinese in a Chinese border town on Dec. 27 before being apprehended by the local authorities, the South Korean daily Donga Ilbo reported Monday.

The suspect is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in Helong, Jilin Province where he was taken after being shot by Chinese authorities. He is said to be in a comatose state.

According to the report, the suspected deserter broke into a home in Helong, Jilin Province and killed a 60-year-old man and his wife. He then entered the neighboring house where he proceed to beat its resident and his wife to death with the pistol he was carrying.

The suspect is reported to have then entered a third home where he stole 100 yuan ($16), and then entered another property which he left without committing a further crime.

The suspected North Korean army deserter was taken into custody after being shot by the Chinese authorities.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)