Man in Changhua Crashes While Driving Under Influence with Gas Cylinders; Court Releases Him Without Bail, Prosecutors Appeal

(Central News Agency, reporter Zheng Weizhen, Changhua, 5th) A man surnamed Jiang in Yuanlin City, Changhua County, recently crashed a vehicle while driving under the influence of drugs and carrying gas cylinders. Due to his prior convictions for drug-driving and negligent homicide, the prosecutor sought preventive detention. The Changhua District Court ruled to release him without bail. The prosecutor filed an appeal, and the Taichung High Court today overturned the ruling and remanded the case for retrial.

The Taiwan Changhua District Court stated that it needs to complete the summons service process and is expected to hold a hearing on the 8th.

Jiang, a gas company employee, drove a small truck carrying 10 large gas cylinders after using drugs on May 30. He collided with a parked car on Wannian Road in Yuanlin City. Bystanders stopped the vehicle and the man, and called the police. Upon arrival, police found the man in a daze. A rapid saliva test showed positive reactions for amphetamine and etomidate. Police also seized an etomidate e-cigarette from the vehicle.

Jiang was transferred to the Taiwan Changhua District Prosecutors Office for further questioning. Based on the seized e-cigarette and positive drug test results, and noting that Jiang repeatedly used drugs while working as a gas cylinder deliveryman, and had prior convictions for negligent driving causing injury, negligent driving causing death, and drug-driving, the prosecutor argued that he had disregarded the dangers of drug-driving by using drugs again and transporting hazardous materials. The prosecutor requested detention from the Changhua District Court, but the court ruled to release Jiang without bail.

The Changhua District Prosecutors Office stated that, dissatisfied with the court's rejection of the preventive detention request and the release without bail, the prosecutor filed an appeal on June 1. The Taiwan High Court Taichung Branch Court today overturned the original ruling and remanded the case to the Changhua District Court for review. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150605