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๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Crime & Justice

Taiwan driver refuses breathalyzer, passenger attempts self-harm during police stop

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Police in Taoyuan, Taiwan, stopped a driver for driving the wrong way and failing to maintain a safe distance.
  • The driver, who admitted to drinking, refused a breathalyzer test, while his female passenger became agitated and attempted self-harm.
  • Authorities are processing the driver for refusing the test and impounded the vehicle, while the woman received medical attention.

A man driving the wrong way in Taoyuan, Taiwan, was stopped by police early Sunday morning. The 40-year-old driver, identified by the surname Liu, had been drinking at a KTV establishment. Police detected a strong smell of alcohol and informed him of his rights and the consequences of refusing a breathalyzer test. Liu explicitly refused the test.

During the stop, Liu's female passenger, who had also been drinking, became emotionally distressed. She threw ice water on Liu and ran into the middle of the road, apparently attempting to harm herself. Officers intervened to protect her and called for backup to manage the situation and separate the two individuals.

Drunk driving seriously endangers the lives and property safety of oneself and other road users. Do not harborไพฅๅนธ and break the law.

โ€” Lin Dingtai, Zhongli Police Precinct ChiefPolice chief Lin Dingtai's statement on the incident, emphasizing the dangers of drunk driving and the strict enforcement of traffic laws.

Paramedics treated the woman for self-inflicted wounds on her neck and body before taking her to the hospital. Liu, after being calmed by friends and police, was issued a citation for refusing the breathalyzer test, and his vehicle was impounded. Police emphasized the dangers of drunk driving and the penalties for refusal, including a hefty fine, license suspension, and mandatory safety courses.

Women must know if their employers are treating them fairly. And when that is not the case...

โ€” Ursula von der LeyenEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's stance on equal pay and transparency.
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.