Grieving migrant worker forcefully restrained after escaping from quarantine hotel

A migrant worker was sprayed with pepper spray and restrained by police and paramedics after he jumped from the third floor of a quarantine hotel in Hualien County yesterday, after receiving news that his mother had died.

According to reports, the 29-year-old Indonesian national had been staying in the quarantine hotel after testing positive for COVID-19, and was due to return to work today, May 10. However, on the morning of May 9, the man received news of his mothers death in Indonesia. At around 10:00 am, the man wrapped himself in bedsheets, hugged a pillow, and jumped from the third floor of the hotel. The man landed on a parked car, and although slightly injured, was able to stand up and walk around.

Police and paramedics arrived on the scene and attempted to take him to a hospital. However, the man refused to cooperate, and stood off with the police officer. Eventually, the police officer used pepper spray on the man, and with the help of a paramedic, restrained him on the ground before taking him to a hospital.

Foreign affairs police spoke to the man through an interpreter, and learned that he had become upset after hearing of his mother’s death, lost control of his emotions, and had wanted to run away.

Reports say the man is now in a stable condition and receiving psychological counseling.

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