Taiwan man gets 14 months for setting sidewalk fire after DUI motorcycle confiscation

A man in Taichung, Taiwan, has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for intentionally setting fire to a sidewalk. The incident occurred after his motorcycle was confiscated due to drunk driving offenses.

The man, identified by the surname Luo, was reportedly angered when his motorcycle was impounded by the Fengyuan Precinct police for refusing a breathalyzer test. On the evening of April 4, 2025, he purchased gasoline and initially planned to go to the police station to burn the confiscated vehicle. However, he changed his plan and instead set fire to vegetation on a sidewalk along Fengyuan Avenue.

“

Luo, only because he was dissatisfied, rashly set fire to the sidewalk flower beds maintained by the Taichung City Government, causing public danger, and making the public potentially fearful due to the fire, his behavior is not commendable.

The resulting fire alarmed passersby and damaged plants, including fragrant tea olives. Police apprehended Luo shortly after the incident. During the investigation, he admitted to his original intention of burning the motorcycle at the police station before deciding to set fire to the sidewalk planters.

In addition to the arson charge, Luo was also convicted of stealing a motorcycle in June 2025. For this separate offense, he received a four-month sentence, which can be commuted to a fine. The court considered his admission of guilt and the fact that the arson did not result in a major disaster, but noted the lack of compensation for the damages.

“

Luo confessed to his crime after the incident, his attitude was acceptable, and fortunately, it did not cause a major disaster.