Two Taipei City police officers slashed by homeless man who refused to wear mask

One police officer was cut on his neck, and another on his hand, after a homeless man reported for not wearing a mask attacked them with a machete at Taipei Main Station today, May 22.

Police from the Zhongxiao West Road police station went to the south gate of the station plaza after a member of the public reported that a man was loitering near the station entrance without wearing a surgical mask at around 5:00 pm.

The two police officers attempted to persuade the man to wear a mask, but he was unwilling. When police checked his identity, they found that the 60-year-old man, named Yu, was wanted on outstanding charges for theft.

Police ordered the man to pack up his belongings and accompany them to the station for questioning. However, while the man was arranging his belongings, he pulled out a machete and attacked the officers.

One of the police officers, named Qiu, was slashed on the neck, and the other, named Tu, was cut on the left hand. Other police officers arrived on the scene in support and restrained Mr Yu, and Qiu and Tu were sent to Mackay Memorial Hospital for treatment after receiving first aid at the scene. Both men’s injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

After interrogation at the police station, Yu was sent to the Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office to face charges for theft, obstructing an officer in discharge of duties, and injury.

Two incidents of violence against police enforcing the mask mandate were reported yesterday, one in Yunlin County, and one in Tainan City.

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.