Police Shooter was already Wanted for Attempted Murder: Public Alert Issued
Police investigators have identified a suspect who shot two police officers in Tainan three days ago. Police issued an alert appealing to the public to be on the lookout for the shooter, and warned that the suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
Two officers were shot, but not seriously injured, on a remote road in a rural mountain district of Tainan City on Wednesday night. See previous article.
DNA tests on a bicycle, and a car found nearby, identified a 57-year-old man, Chen Hong-zong, as a prime suspect in the case. Chen is wanted on charges of attempted murder over the shooting of a man at a fruit and vegetable market in Yunlin County in 2016. Chen also has an extensive criminal history involving theft, forgery, and firearms offences.
According to police, Chen shot a vegetable dealer named Liao in the left and right thighs in December 2016, and has been on the run ever since. On Wednesday night, Chen is believed to have been driving a white sedan which broke down on an isolated section of road in Nanhsi Township. Chen then took to a folding bicycle, which he was pushing when the patrolling officers spotted him and asked if he needed help.
When police asked for a routine ID check, Chen apparently panicked and shot a police officer twice in the chest, and once in the back. Fortunately, the officer was wearing a bullet-proof vest and was not seriously injured. Another officer was shot in the back of the arm.
Police issued an alert yesterday urging the public to be on the lookout for Chen, who is described as being 178 centimeters tall, of slim build, and with a missing thumb on his left hand. Police warned members of the public that the man is probably armed, and is considered dangerous.
Residents in mountain districts of Tainan City and Chiayi should be particularly alert and if anybody spots the suspect should call 110 or 06-5742435 to make a report.
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