Costco employee with knife climbs to rooftop amid labor dispute; safely rescued

A 35-year-old employee of the popular American warehouse club Costco climbed to the rooftop of its Xinzhuang store in New Taipei City on Tuesday morning, reportedly in distress over a labor dispute. The incident caused alarm among shoppers and staff, prompting an immediate police and fire department response.

Upon arrival, emergency services found the man precariously perched on the rooftop ledge. During negotiations, firefighters discovered he was armed with a Swiss Army knife and scissors, escalating the tension at the scene. The situation was particularly concerning given the potential for self-harm or harm to others.

After patient and persistent communication, firefighters successfully de-escalated the situation and persuaded the employee to descend safely from the roof. The man did not engage in any violent actions during the standoff. He was subsequently taken to a hospital for a mandatory medical evaluation, and his family was notified to provide support.