Motorcyclist's 'zombie-like' movements at red light baffle police
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Police are unable to apprehend a motorcyclist exhibiting extremely erratic and contorted movements while stopped at a red light, resembling a "zombie."
- The behavior is suspected to be due to the use of "zombie smoke" or etonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid.
- Authorities state they cannot investigate based solely on video evidence without concrete proof of drug possession, citing legal and privacy concerns.
Police are facing a challenge in identifying and apprehending a motorcyclist whose bizarre, contorted movements at a red light have been likened to a "zombie." The individual's upper body was seen twisting and arching unnaturally, leading to speculation that they may have consumed a substance known as "zombie smoke," believed to be etonitazene, a powerful synthetic opioid.
The incident, captured on a dashcam, shows the rider's unsettling movements before the light turned green and they proceeded with traffic. The witness expressed concern, stating that drivers now need to be wary of "zombies" in addition to other road hazards. They urged police to increase enforcement against such erratic behavior, which they described as a "ticking time bomb."
If we do not apprehend the drugs on the spot, the police cannot simply use a strange image to find someone through the license plate recognition system.
Authorities from the Second Precinct acknowledged receiving numerous reports and videos of individuals exhibiting "zombie-like" behavior while riding motorcycles. However, they explained that without apprehending the suspect with drugs in their possession at the time of the incident, they cannot legally use video footage alone to identify the rider through license plate searches. The police emphasized that such actions would infringe upon privacy rights and constitute an overreach of public authority.
The police highlighted a disconnect between public expectations and legal procedures, stressing the importance of adhering to legal boundaries. They urged the public to practice defensive driving, maintain a safe distance from erratic drivers, and report suspicious behavior immediately. This approach, they stated, allows law enforcement to intervene legally and effectively ensure public safety on the roads.
If police officers can arrive in a timely manner and conduct a legal search, they can effectively ensure the safety of the public while respecting legal regulations.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.