DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Lottery shop crisis averted! Detective team leader uses 'zero alcohol' beer to build rapport, leading to armed suspect's surrender

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • A former top 10 wanted criminal, Lin Yufeng, held police at bay for two hours with firearms at a convenience store in Chiayi County.
  • A police team leader, Li Xiwen, who knew Lin from a previous case, entered the store alone and negotiated for nearly two hours.
  • Li Xiwen used non-alcoholic beer and conversation to de-escalate the situation, eventually persuading Lin to surrender peacefully with the help of local officials.

A tense standoff unfolded in Chiayi County when Lin Yufeng, a former top 10 wanted criminal, armed with a submachine gun and a handgun, stormed a convenience store. Lin, who had been released on parole after serving time for multiple robberies, held police at bay for nearly two hours.

The situation was diffused by Li Xiwen, a police team leader who had prior acquaintance with Lin from his probation supervision. Li entered the store alone, engaging Lin in a nearly two-hour negotiation. He offered Lin non-alcoholic beer and listened to his grievances, gradually building rapport and calming the agitated suspect.

During the negotiation, Li also facilitated the escape of the store's landlady, who was trapped inside. As Lin's demeanor softened, he requested to speak with local figures, including the chairman of a local temple and a county councilor. Li assisted in contacting these individuals, who then accompanied Lin as he surrendered his weapons, leading to a peaceful resolution without any casualties.

It is something the most terrible a family can experience.

โ€” Rosa Lykke YdeThe mayor of Randers expressed condolences to the families of the victim and the accused.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.