80-year-old man in Tainan suspected of arson, axe attack, hijacking ambulance; court approves detention
An 83-year-old man in Tainan was arrested and detained after allegedly setting fire to his sister-in-law's home, attacking her and rescuers with an axe, and stealing an ambulance due to a family dispute. The court approved his detention, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of flight and re-offending.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 4, 2026 at 15:11
- 🔍 Collected: May 4, 2026 at 15:31 (20 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 4, 2026 at 15:34 (2 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency reporter Yang Si-jui, Tainan, May 4) An 83-year-old man surnamed Hsin, suspected of a family dispute, allegedly set fire to his sister-in-law's home in Tainan City's South District yesterday, attacked Ms. Huang and emergency responders with an axe, and then drove away a fire department ambulance. He was later apprehended by the police, and the prosecutor's application for detention was approved by the court.
The Tainan District Court issued a press release stating that after questioning this morning, the defendant, Hsin, only admitted to some of the offenses. However, based on the evidence in the detention application, seized items, etc., there is sufficient reason to believe he is highly suspected of committing offenses such as obstruction of public duties, obstruction of public duties with a weapon, attempted arson of a dwelling currently in use, attempted murder, and crimes related to domestic violence.
The Tainan court pointed out that after considering that the defendant is suspected of committing crimes with a minimum sentence of 5 years or more imprisonment, and based on his reactions and actions when apprehended afterward, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility of him fleeing to avoid prosecution and trial. Furthermore, there are facts indicating a risk of repeated murder offenses, thus detention is necessary.
The man surnamed Hsin, suspected of a family dispute, allegedly set fire to Ms. Huang's residence yesterday morning. Fire department rescue personnel arrived on the scene after receiving the report. Hsin attacked others with an axe, causing Ms. Huang, one police officer, and one volunteer firefighter to be injured and sent to the hospital. They are out of life-threatening danger. Hsin then forcibly drove away the fire department ambulance that was on standby at the scene.
After officers tailed him and notified nearby police units to intercept, Hsin drove the ambulance into an underground parking lot in Yongkang District. After getting out of the vehicle, he still wielded the axe and refused to cooperate with police instructions. Officers used pepper spray and batons to forcefully subdue and arrest him. After interrogation, he was transferred to the Tainan District Prosecutor's Office for investigation, and the prosecutor's application for detention was approved by the Tainan District Court. (Edited by Li Hen-shan) 1150504
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(Central News Agency reporter Yang Si-jui, Tainan, May 4) An 83-year-old man surnamed Hsin, suspected of a family dispute, allegedly set fire to his sister-in-law's home in Tainan City's South District yesterday, attacked Ms. Huang and emergency responders with an axe, and then drove away a fire department ambulance. He was later apprehended by the police, and the prosecutor's application for detention was approved by the court.
The Tainan District Court issued a press release stating that after questioning this morning, the defendant, Hsin, only admitted to some of the offenses. However, based on the evidence in the detention application, seized items, etc., there is sufficient reason to believe he is highly suspected of committing offenses such as obstruction of public duties, obstruction of public duties with a weapon, attempted arson of a dwelling currently in use, attempted murder, and crimes related to domestic violence.
The Tainan court pointed out that after considering that the defendant is suspected of committing crimes with a minimum sentence of 5 years or more imprisonment, and based on his reactions and actions when apprehended afterward, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility of him fleeing to avoid prosecution and trial. Furthermore, there are facts indicating a risk of repeated murder offenses, thus detention is necessary.
The man surnamed Hsin, suspected of a family dispute, allegedly set fire to Ms. Huang's residence yesterday morning. Fire department rescue personnel arrived on the scene after receiving the report. Hsin attacked others with an axe, causing Ms. Huang, one police officer, and one volunteer firefighter to be injured and sent to the hospital. They are out of life-threatening danger. Hsin then forcibly drove away the fire department ambulance that was on standby at the scene.
After officers tailed him and notified nearby police units to intercept, Hsin drove the ambulance into an underground parking lot in Yongkang District. After getting out of the vehicle, he still wielded the axe and refused to cooperate with police instructions. Officers used pepper spray and batons to forcefully subdue and arrest him. After interrogation, he was transferred to the Tainan District Prosecutor's Office for investigation, and the prosecutor's application for detention was approved by the Tainan District Court. (Edited by Li Hen-shan) 1150504
Choose to stand with facts, your every sponsorship is the power to guard press freedom.
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The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcasted, transmitted, or utilized without authorization.