One dead, 6 injured after brawl in Taichung City gym

One man died and six were injured after two groups clashed at a privately-owned gymnasium in Taichung City yesterday evening, February 1.

According to reports in United Daily News, a dispute occurred when nine men arrived at the gym armed with air guns and knives at around 6:20 pm. The 14 people already in the gym picked up baseball bats, pool cues, and other weapons to defend themselves.

Four of the attackers were injured, including a 24-year-old man named Hsieh, a 24-year-old man named Lee, a 30-year-old man also named Lee, and a 33-year-old man named Lien. Lien lost vital signs at the scene after being hit on the head with a blunt weapon, and was later declared dead at the hospital.

Three people from the gym suffered multiple stab wounds, and two remained in intensive care earlier today, February 2.

Police investigators found more than 10 steel ball bearing rounds fired from air guns at the scene, along with bats wooden sticks, an iron rod, a folding knife, two air guns and other evidence.

Fifteen people were arrested and brought in for interrogation, but four fled and were still at large this morning. Police said that they know the identities of those at large.

Evidence in the form of printed chits found at the gym point to a suspected gambling dispute, but those involved only admitted that they had a “private dispute” and did not provide further information.

Taiwan English News is an independent publication with no corporate funding. If you found this article informative, and would like to support my work, please buy me a coffee or support me on Patreon. Subscribe to Taiwan English News for free to receive the latest news via email. Advertising queries are welcome. Share, like, comment below.