Two Suspects Sentenced to 7 Years and 7 Years and 4 Months for Armed Robbery at Convenience Store in Changhua

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Cheng Wei-chen, Changhua, June 17) — Last year, a man surnamed Hsu carried a bat and a fruit knife and robbed a convenience store in Lukang, Changhua County, stealing over NT$90,000 and six packs of cigarettes. He was then picked up and aided in escape by another man surnamed Wu on a motorcycle. Police responded swiftly after receiving the report and arrested both suspects at their residences. The Changhua District Court sentenced each to prison terms of 7 years and 4 months, and 7 years, respectively, for jointly committing armed robbery.

According to the Changhua District Court's verdict, on the afternoon of August 25, 2025 (Minguo Year 114), Hsu entered a convenience store in Lukang Township, Changhua County, carrying a long bat and a fruit knife. Upon seeing Wu inside the store, the two briefly conversed before leaving. Hsu left the bat and knife beside a motorcycle at the entrance, then departed on Wu’s motorcycle.

Around 7:00 p.m., the two returned to the store on the same motorcycle. Hsu retrieved the bat and knife and entered behind the counter. When the clerk demanded he leave, Hsu claimed, 'I’ve already spoken with the manager.' Fearing Hsu’s large stature and the weapons he carried, the clerk did not resist and allowed him to take six packs of cigarettes. Hsu then seized NT$96,100 in cash when the cash register opened, before fleeing on Wu’s motorcycle.

Wu first took Hsu home, receiving NT$1,000 and two packs of cigarettes as his share. Upon returning home, Wu gave NT$500 to his unaware father to purchase a meal.

Police traced the suspects and, within 20 minutes of the robbery, arrested Hsu at his residence. Wu was subsequently apprehended at his home. Authorities recovered the stolen money and goods and returned them to the convenience store.

The Changhua District Court stated that the two defendants obtained property through illegal means, causing financial loss to the victim and instilling fear and anxiety in all present, severely disrupting social order. Considering Hsu was a repeat offender and suffers from a mental illness, the court sentenced him to 7 years and 4 months in prison for jointly committing armed robbery, with an additional 2-year protective supervision order to be served after his sentence, which may be substituted with probation. Wu was sentenced to 7 years in prison. The ruling may be appealed. (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150617