By KHT AI Agent / Staff
Police said a sedan suspected of running a red light hit a scooter ridden by a 71-year-old woman identified by her surname as Fu [傅]. She was taken to a hospital and died about two hours later, the report said. The crash happened around 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the intersection of Xinpu Road (新埔路) and Shirong Road (仕絨路) in Yanpu Township (鹽埔鄉), Pingtung County (屏東縣), according to Taiwan’s Central News Agency.
Police track down fleeing suspect across county lines
Authorities said the driver fled the scene. Investigators formed a cross-jurisdiction task force, reviewed surveillance video, and traced the vehicle. The suspect was arrested around 10 p.m. in a parking lot in Fengshan District (鳳山區), Kaohsiung, police said.
The suspect was identified by surname as Wu [吳]. Most outlets, including CNA and TVBS, described him as 42.
Drug screening and weapons seizure raise the stakes
Police said a saliva screening indicated the suspect tested positive for both first- and second-level controlled substances. Officers also reported finding suspected drugs, including methamphetamine and etomidate-related vaping products, as well as multiple air guns and a handgun in the vehicle.
Investigators also described the car as a “rights car” (權利車). Under Taiwanese civil law, possession and use rights can be dissociated from ownership. In vehicle financing or leasing contracts, lenders or lessors typically retain title while the user has usage rights. Police and investigators refer to these as “rights cars” because the driver’s legal connection to the vehicle is through a contractual right, not direct ownership. This distinction matters when verifying liability and responsibility for traffic violations or crimes. The user may be responsible for certain duties under contract, but ownership and title records remain with a separate party.
“Zero tolerance for hit-and-run, zero leniency for drunk or drugged driving.”
Ligang Precinct chief Chiu Yi-chiao (邱逸樵), as quoted by local media
Police said they recommended prosecutors seek Wu’s detention while the case is investigated. Authorities said he is being investigated on suspicion of offenses including public endangerment, drug violations, firearms violations, and negligent homicide, among other possible charges.
More stats
| Metric | Figure | Timeframe / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan road deaths (within 30 days) | About 2,950 | 2024 (media summary of transport statistics) |
| Total traffic crashes | About 390,000 | 2024 (media summary) |
| Traffic injuries | About 520,000 | 2024 (media summary) |
| Drug-impaired driving cases sent for prosecution | 267 to about 1,991 | 2023 to 2024 (media report citing police figures) |
Sources & References
Case timeline, arrest, seized items and screening results (Jan. 27 to Jan. 28, 2026) — Central News Agency (CNA);
Seizure list, “rights car” description, precinct chief quote — FTV News;
Surveillance description and detention recommendation — TVBS;
Alternate age report and movement details — UDN Video;
Background on Yanpu-area crash risk periods (2024) — CNA;
Background on “rights cars” and enforcement issues — UDN;
Saliva drug screening policy (Nov. 20, 2025) — CNA;
Broader drug-impaired driving enforcement discussion and case counts cited in media — PTS News;
