Man Trespasses in Taoyuan Market, Starts Fire Burning Joss Paper Claiming 'Good Luck Charm'

A fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Nanmen Market in Taoyuan City, a site that had recently undergone reconstruction following a significant blaze last year. The incident, which occurred around 4:50 a.m., was quickly extinguished by market personnel before firefighters arrived. Authorities have identified the cause as arson, with a 36-year-old man surnamed Cai apprehended at the scene.

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The stall owner immediately rushed to the scene and stated that she did not know Cai at all, and had seen him loitering outside the store the day before.

Cai allegedly trespassed into a market stall and burned joss paper, a practice often associated with religious rituals. He told police that he was attempting to improve his fortune and seek blessings. However, his explanation was met with skepticism by law enforcement and the stall owner.

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He claimed that the store belonged to his sister, and he entered the store to burn joss paper for good luck and blessings.

Upon contacting the stall owner, they arrived at the scene and stated they did not know Cai. The owner also reported seeing Cai loitering outside the shop the previous day, suggesting he may have taken advantage of an opportunity to obtain a spare key and enter the premises without permission. Police arrested Cai on charges of arson and trespassing, and the case has been forwarded to the Taoyuan District Prosecutor's Office for further investigation. Authorities emphasized their commitment to prosecuting any acts that endanger public safety or disrupt social order, warning the public against breaking the law.

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We will investigate and prosecute any behavior that endangers public safety and disrupts social order according to the law, and will not be lenient.