Man Arrested for Drug-Driving After Crashing Car, Detained After Repeating Offense Following Release

(CNA reporter Hsiao Po-yang, Nantou County, 9th) A man surnamed Lin, who was arrested by Zhushan police for crashing his car while driving under the influence of drugs, was ordered by the prosecutor to be restricted to his residence after questioning at the Nantou District Prosecutors Office. Unexpectedly, after his release, Lin was arrested again for drug-driving in another self-inflicted crash. The prosecutor's office successfully requested his detention from the court, citing factors such as the risk of repeated offenses.

The Zhushan Precinct of the Nantou County Police Department stated today that a loud crash was heard next to the precinct building in the early hours of a recent morning. Officers on duty immediately investigated and found a private car stopped in the middle of the road with severe damage to its front. As officers arrived, the car suddenly lurched forward and hit a utility pole before stopping. A review of surveillance footage showed the car inexplicably veering from its lane, first hitting a parked car on the roadside before sliding to the center of the road. When officers arrived to handle the situation, the vehicle moved forward again and struck the pole.

The Zhushan Precinct said that during questioning, the 43-year-old driver, Lin, appeared dazed and had an abnormal reaction, suggesting drug use. Officers visually inspected the car and saw several small containers, cartridge tips, and other suspected drug paraphernalia. A preliminary screening tested positive for etomidate, and Lin was immediately arrested as a suspect in a current crime. A body search revealed a used etomidate cartridge, and a saliva test for Lin came back positive for methamphetamine.

The Zhushan Precinct stated that the case was transferred to the Nantou District Prosecutors Office for investigation on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and the offense of being unable to drive safely due to drug use under the Criminal Code's public danger offenses. For the administrative penalty, a report was filed according to Article 35 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, and the vehicle was impounded, with his driver's license and license plate suspended.

According to sources, Lin has a prior record for drug offenses. After the self-inflicted crash near the Zhushan Precinct led to his arrest for drug-driving, he was sent to the prosecutor's office. After questioning, the prosecutor deemed detention unnecessary and ordered him to be restricted to his residence. However, a few days after returning home, Lin used drugs again, borrowed a car from a relative to go out, and was arrested again by the Zhushan Precinct after another crash. This time, the prosecutor requested detention, and the Nantou District Court approved it. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150609