Man Arrested for Using Submachine Gun in Debt Collection and Assault; Chiayi Court Approves Detention

By Central News Agency Reporter Huang Kuo-chang, Chiayi City, June 15

A Lin surnamed man from Chiayi County is suspected of using a submachine gun to collect a debt and assaulting the debtor, then barricading himself inside a lottery shop and confronting police before eventually surrendering after negotiations. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office requested pre-trial detention, and the Chiayi District Court, considering Lin's possession of firearms for criminal purposes and his prior incarceration for serious offenses, ruled to detain him without visitation rights.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office stated that on the evening of the 13th, the Shuishang Police Station of Chiayi County Police Department received a report of a shooting incident in Taibao City within its jurisdiction. A 56-year-old man surnamed Lin was suspected of brandishing a firearm and barricading himself inside a lottery shop.

Prosecutors reported that police successfully apprehended Lin at a lottery shop in Taibao City, Chiayi County, in the early hours of the 14th, seizing one suspected long gun and one suspected short gun, along with other evidence. After questioning Lin on the same night, prosecutors determined he was strongly suspected of violating the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act and other charges, and thus applied to the Chiayi District Court for detention without visitation.

The court stated that on the evening of the 13th, Lin fired both a handgun and a submachine gun in Taibao City, assaulted and threatened a victim surnamed Chen, and early on the 14th entered a lottery shop armed, causing a victim surnamed Hou to fear for his safety. Police arrived and persuaded Lin to surrender. Prosecutors requested detention on charges including illegal firearm possession, intimidation, and attempted murder. Lin admitted to the objective actions but denied intent to commit attempted murder.

The court noted Lin had prior arrest warrants, indicating a risk of flight. Several accomplices remain at large, and Lin downplayed their involvement, making collusion likely if released on bail while police continue investigating the case and tracing the source of the firearms.

The court also highlighted Lin’s prior conviction under the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, for which he served a lengthy prison sentence. Despite this, he continued to possess firearms and ammunition for several years—far beyond temporary custody—indicating a high likelihood of repeat offenses.

Considering Lin used firearms to assert dominance and as tools for crime, severely undermining public safety, the court ruled detention necessary. Today’s order mandates detention with prohibition of visitation, communication, and receipt of items. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150615

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