Man with violent past injures three, including children, in Taiwan knife attack

MIAOLI, Taiwan — A 48-year-old man with a history of violent crime was arrested on Thursday after stabbing three people, including two children, near an elementary school.

The incident took place about 500 metres from a local elementary school shortly after classes ended. Witnesses told the local media that the suspect, identified as Chiu, was behaving erratically while carrying a knife in alleyways near the school.

Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store showed parents and children gathered outside as Chiu approached, sparking panic and forcing bystanders to flee.

Police Response and Arrest

Chiu later returned to his residence, still armed. Police subdued him with a stun gun at 4:35pm and took him into custody. He is under investigation on suspicion of attempted murder.

Injuries Reported

The most seriously injured victim was a sixth-grade girl, stabbed in the left chest. Doctors said blood and air had accumulated in her chest cavity, and she was transferred to China Medical University Hospital for further treatment.

Another girl suffered a minor chest wound and a three-centimetre laceration on her right elbow. A 50-year-old man sustained stab wounds to his upper abdomen and back. He was treated at Da Chien General Hospital.

All three victims are reported to be in stable condition.

Suspect’s Criminal History

Authorities later confirmed Chiu’s violent past. In December 2015, after a dispute involving his brother, Chiu armed himself with scissors and attacked civilians at a convenience store.

During that incident, a police officer was stabbed but survived thanks to a bulletproof vest. Four people were injured in total, and Chiu was sentenced to eight years and eight months in prison for attempted murder and assault.

He was released earlier this year, raising renewed concerns over public safety.