Chiayi Woman Arrested for Drug Driving After Hit-and-Run

(Central News Agency, Chiayi, 5th) A woman surnamed Pan was involved in a hit-and-run accident while driving four days after using methamphetamine. No one was injured. When summoned by the police, she was incoherent and unsteady on her feet. A saliva rapid test showed a positive reaction for drugs. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office requested her detention, citing a high risk of re-offending, which was granted by the Chiayi District Court.

According to police, Ms. Pan was driving on Alishan Highway (Section Dingliu) on the evening of the 4th when she collided with a car driven by another woman. No one was injured at the scene. Ms. Pan left the scene immediately. She was later notified by police and drove herself to the police station that same evening to give a statement.

The police stated that during her statement, Ms. Pan was not only in poor mental condition but also spoke incoherently and was unsteady on her feet. A subsequent saliva rapid test showed a positive reaction for amphetamines.

Ms. Pan admitted to using methamphetamine in a public restroom in Chiayi City on May 31st but argued that she could still drive normally after taking the drug. After questioning, she was transferred to the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office on charges of endangering public safety and drug-impaired driving.

After a further hearing, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, considering Ms. Pan's prior record of drunk driving and drug offenses, deemed there was a risk of her repeating the same crime. They petitioned the Chiayi District Court for her detention, which was granted on the 5th without a ban on visitation. (Edited by Chen Renhua)