Ko Wen-je Pepper-Sprayed; Taichung Police Chief Apologizes and Faces Disciplinary Action
Taichung Police Commissioner Wu Jing-tien has requested disciplinary action and apologized to the TPP due to the incident where former TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je was pepper-sprayed. The involved Sixth Precinct Chief, Chou Chun-ming, was reprimanded and transferred for improper handling.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 20, 2026 at 18:52
- 🔍 Collected: April 20, 2026 at 19:01 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 19:04 (2 min after Collected)
TAICHUNG, April 20 (CNA) -- Taichung City Police Commissioner Wu Jing-tien held a press conference this afternoon to explain the investigation into the case of former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je being pepper-sprayed in Fengjia Night Market, admitting to insufficient supervision and requesting disciplinary action. He also expressed profound apologies to the TPP team and the public for the alarm and physical discomfort caused.
Director of the Criminal Investigation Division Chi Yen-hsi explained the incident's progression. A special task force was formed at 10:20 PM on the 17th. After reviewing 385 surveillance camera feeds for 19 hours, it was determined by 5 PM on the 18th that Chou Chun-ming, the chief of the Sixth Police Precinct, was suspected of using pepper spray and had sprayed it towards the ground four times from a distance of 15 meters from Ko Wen-je.
Wu Jing-tien stated that Chou Chun-ming was the only officer on duty who used pepper spray that day. Investigations revealed that Chou found the pepper spray can to be damaged. After removing the nozzle, he pressed the spray tube, but it did not retract. He continuously pressed the can along his path, causing the pepper spray to leak out. He sprayed it on the ground four times. According to regulations, Chou should have sealed and prohibited the use of the pepper spray and immediately left the scene.
Wu Jing-tien added that Chou Chun-ming reported the incident by phone only 24 hours after it occurred, on the evening of the 18th. As a leading cadre, Chou demonstrated panic and improper handling at the scene. He has been reprimanded twice and recommended for transfer to a non-supervisory position by the National Police Agency. He has also been referred to the Taichung District Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of assault to ensure public trust.
When questioned about the police taking three days to explain the incident, the police department responded that they released the information only after identifying the perpetrator, investigating the cause, reviewing relevant videos, evidence, and interviewing personnel to fully understand the case.
Wu Jing-tien noted that Chou Chun-ming graduated from the Police University, class of '61, and pursued postgraduate studies in forensics. He has nearly 30 years of service and is currently on leave.
DPP Taichung City Councilor caucus whip Chou Yung-hung questioned whether the disciplinary action against the precinct chief was proportionate to his negligence. Wu Jing-tien replied that the disciplinary measures were in accordance with the regulations for police personnel rewards and punishments, with aggravating circumstances for supervisors, thus complying with relevant rules.
TPP Taichung City Councilor candidate Liu Chin-yu stated today that it is confirmed the incident was an individual act by the precinct chief, and strongly condemned it, whether by accident or intent. She also refuted online accusations of a staged event and absurd claims of the TPP chief being scapegoated by the KMT-TPP alliance.
When Liu Chin-yu reported the case, she mentioned two motorcyclists potentially involved. Wu Jing-tien stated that after reviewing body camera footage, street sweep live videos, interviewing merchants, and examining surveillance footage, it was found that the two motorcyclists had encountered Ko Wen-je's campaign team. Investigations have cleared them of involvement. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150420
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Director of the Criminal Investigation Division Chi Yen-hsi explained the incident's progression. A special task force was formed at 10:20 PM on the 17th. After reviewing 385 surveillance camera feeds for 19 hours, it was determined by 5 PM on the 18th that Chou Chun-ming, the chief of the Sixth Police Precinct, was suspected of using pepper spray and had sprayed it towards the ground four times from a distance of 15 meters from Ko Wen-je.
Wu Jing-tien stated that Chou Chun-ming was the only officer on duty who used pepper spray that day. Investigations revealed that Chou found the pepper spray can to be damaged. After removing the nozzle, he pressed the spray tube, but it did not retract. He continuously pressed the can along his path, causing the pepper spray to leak out. He sprayed it on the ground four times. According to regulations, Chou should have sealed and prohibited the use of the pepper spray and immediately left the scene.
Wu Jing-tien added that Chou Chun-ming reported the incident by phone only 24 hours after it occurred, on the evening of the 18th. As a leading cadre, Chou demonstrated panic and improper handling at the scene. He has been reprimanded twice and recommended for transfer to a non-supervisory position by the National Police Agency. He has also been referred to the Taichung District Prosecutor's Office on suspicion of assault to ensure public trust.
When questioned about the police taking three days to explain the incident, the police department responded that they released the information only after identifying the perpetrator, investigating the cause, reviewing relevant videos, evidence, and interviewing personnel to fully understand the case.
Wu Jing-tien noted that Chou Chun-ming graduated from the Police University, class of '61, and pursued postgraduate studies in forensics. He has nearly 30 years of service and is currently on leave.
DPP Taichung City Councilor caucus whip Chou Yung-hung questioned whether the disciplinary action against the precinct chief was proportionate to his negligence. Wu Jing-tien replied that the disciplinary measures were in accordance with the regulations for police personnel rewards and punishments, with aggravating circumstances for supervisors, thus complying with relevant rules.
TPP Taichung City Councilor candidate Liu Chin-yu stated today that it is confirmed the incident was an individual act by the precinct chief, and strongly condemned it, whether by accident or intent. She also refuted online accusations of a staged event and absurd claims of the TPP chief being scapegoated by the KMT-TPP alliance.
When Liu Chin-yu reported the case, she mentioned two motorcyclists potentially involved. Wu Jing-tien stated that after reviewing body camera footage, street sweep live videos, interviewing merchants, and examining surveillance footage, it was found that the two motorcyclists had encountered Ko Wen-je's campaign team. Investigations have cleared them of involvement. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150420
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