Man Sought After Releasing More Than 100 Live Cockroaches in Famous Taiwan Restaurant

More than 100 live cockroaches spread through a famous restaurant in southern Taiwan after a man emptied a plastic bag near the cashier, sending diners fleeing in panic.

The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on the 29th at Zhou Shi Xia Juan, a well-known restaurant in Tainan’s Anping District, according to Taiwanese media. The cockroaches quickly moved across the floor and around the checkout area. Some reportedly entered the food preparation space.

Police are searching for a man believed to be in his 30s. He wore a raincoat, helmet and mask, hiding his face, and allegedly shouted insults at employees before dumping the bag and leaving. He had parked his motorcycle away from the restaurant rather than directly outside, prompting suggestions that the act may have been planned.

The restaurant said it had recently experienced no particular dispute with others or business-related problems.