Man in Taichung Arrested for DUI Hit-and-Run; Pedestrian Dies After Crash

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, June 17) A drunk driving accident occurred last night in the Daya District of Taichung City. Police reported today that a man, after drinking, drove a vehicle and first struck a pedestrian, then scraped four parked cars before fleeing the scene. The pedestrian was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead the same night. Police tracked down the suspect using surveillance footage and arrested him early this morning at a residence on Zhongqing East Road in Daya District. His breathalyzer test showed alcohol levels above the legal limit. He has been transferred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of hit-and-run, public endangerment, and causing death by negligence.

The Daya Police Station of the Taichung City Police Department stated that at 10:22 p.m. yesterday, a traffic accident was reported in front of No. 828, Section 3, Zhongqing Road, Daya District. At the scene, one pedestrian was hit, and the offending vehicle scraped four cars parked roadside before leaving without stopping.

Preliminary investigations revealed that a man surnamed Wang was driving a rented Mercedes-Benz along Section 3 of Zhongqing Road toward the direction of Shalu. He collided with a man surnamed Zhang, who was walking on the adjacent slow-vehicle lane, then scraped four parked vehicles before fleeing. The pedestrian was taken to the hospital but was declared dead that evening.

Police identified the suspect's vehicle through surveillance footage and arrested Mr. Wang at approximately 1:02 a.m. today in front of a residential building on Zhongqing East Road, Daya District. His alcohol test result exceeded the legal limit. He has been transferred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of hit-and-run, public endangerment, and causing death by negligence.

The Daya Police Division urges zero tolerance for drunk driving. In the first half of 2025, they have already cracked down on 262 drunk driving cases and 45 drug-impaired driving cases in the past three months. They continue to strengthen road inspections to ensure public safety and traffic security. Citizens are reminded that drunk driving not only results in heavy fines and vehicle and license plate confiscation but also criminal prosecution. Additionally, pedestrians are advised to wear bright-colored clothing at night to increase visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150617