Gunman surrenders after firing 10+ shots at Taichung commercial building
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A gunman fired over 10 shots from an MP5 submachine gun at the glass doors of a commercial building in Taichung early Tuesday.
- The suspect, identified as a 30-year-old man from Miaoli, surrendered to police about an hour later with the weapon.
- Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute between individuals with underworld connections who were negotiating inside the building.
A brazen shooting occurred early Tuesday morning at a commercial building in Taichung, Taiwan, when a gunman unleashed more than 10 rounds from an MP5 submachine gun at the ground-floor glass entrance.
The hail of bullets left the scene littered with shell casings and shattered glass, but fortunately, no injuries were reported. In a swift turn of events, the suspect, identified as a 30-year-old man from Miaoli County, drove to the Toufen Police Precinct in Miaoli about an hour after the incident and surrendered, bringing the MP5 and 21 remaining bullets.
Initial investigations suggest the shooting was the result of a failed negotiation between individuals associated with organized crime from both Taichung and Miaoli. The suspect, allegedly brought in by the Miaoli faction for backup, opened fire on the building's entrance before fleeing back to Miaoli, where he turned himself in.
Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage, collecting evidence, and analyzing ballistics to identify other potential individuals involved. They are also investigating the origin of the MP5 submachine gun and the precise motive behind the attack, exploring possibilities of incitement or joint participation.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.