Taiwan Court Releases DUI Suspect Who Broke Officer's Leg, Citing Lack of Intent Evidence

A court in Changhua, Taiwan, has released a suspect without bail who allegedly drove under the influence and broke a police officer's leg, sparking public outcry. The Changhua District Court ruled that prosecutors failed to provide sufficient evidence proving the suspect intentionally collided with officer Chen Kuo-ming. The incident occurred when the suspect, identified as Shih, was attempting to evade police.

Prosecutors had requested the suspect's detention, arguing he posed a flight risk and was a repeat offender due to a previous warrant for his arrest. However, the court noted that Shih had voluntarily reported to prosecutors for a previous minor offense and was granted the option to pay a fine, indicating he was not considered a flight risk. Furthermore, the court stated that evidence did not conclusively demonstrate Shih's intent to ram the officer, and while a preliminary drug test was positive, he had no prior record of driving under the influence or drunk driving.

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The evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to prove that the defendant posed a flight risk or was likely to repeat the offense.

Shih reportedly confessed to the accident after it occurred and expressed willingness to settle with the injured officer. The court concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish a risk of flight or recidivism. In response, the Changhua District Prosecutors Office announced it would appeal the decision, highlighting a joint effort with the Changhua County Police Bureau to strictly investigate and combat driving under the influence cases, emphasizing the need to protect public safety and property.

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We will appeal the court's decision according to the law to maintain social safety and protect the lives and property of the public.