Influential Figures Negotiate Surrender of Armed Fugitive at Lottery Shop

A tense two-hour standoff at a lottery shop in Puzi concluded peacefully late Tuesday night, thanks to the intervention of local influential figures. Lin Yufeng, 59, a former fugitive, had fired shots at a factory and then entered the lottery shop armed with an MP5 submachine gun. He had reportedly become enraged after a friend failed to repay a gambling debt and provoked him with insults towards his parents.

Police were alerted and surrounded the premises. Recognizing the potential for escalation, they contacted Tsai Cheng-tsung, chairman of the prominent Pei Tian Temple, and county councilor Tsai Cheng-yi, asking them to mediate. Tsai Cheng-tsung arrived first and, at his request, police cleared the scene, allowing him to speak with Lin alone.

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Big brother, you've come, I will definitely give the gun to you.

Tsai Cheng-tsung, who recognized Lin as a fellow villager known as "Little Bee," persuaded the armed man to surrender. Lin expressed his grievances to Tsai before handing over the submachine gun. Shortly after, Tsai Cheng-yi arrived and also spoke with Lin for about ten minutes, during which Lin relinquished a second handgun. The two local leaders then escorted Lin, one on each arm, to the waiting police, who took him into custody without incident. No injuries or damage were reported.

Lin had reportedly hosted a peace banquet at his private shrine earlier that day. The incident unfolded after he consumed alcohol and recalled the gambling debt and subsequent provocation, leading to his emotional outburst and the shooting at the factory and the subsequent confrontation at the lottery shop.

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I didn't feel scared at the time. Since they specifically asked for me, they must have something they wanted me to help with and wouldn't do anything to me. Besides, the Director of Chiayi County Police Bureau Gu Ruilin and others were standing by, and a councilor came to show concern. The matter was resolved smoothly and successfully.