By KHT Staff. Image via China Times.
KAOHSIUNG — A wanted man was arrested after a suspected drugged-driving crash in Sanmin District (三民區) late Wednesday that injured a scooter rider and a car passenger, police said.
The crash occurred at about 11:35 p.m. on Jinding Road (金鼎路), where a 31-year-old man surnamed Yen (顏) was driving a white SUV eastbound. Police said Yen ignored a traffic signal near the intersection with Jinshan Road (金山路) and struck a scooter that was stopped at a red light.
Yen allegedly continued driving before rear-ending a car stopped at another red light near Lane 120 of Jinding Road. The 37-year-old scooter rider, surnamed Chen (陳), suffered abrasions and contusions, while a female passenger in the car was also hurt. Both were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
When the officers arrived, they found Yen sitting by the roadside, appearing dazed. Police said other road users had kept watch over him after he allegedly attempted to leave the scene.
A search of the vehicle turned up one packet of amphetamine weighing 19.4 grams, two etomidate vape cartridges, and one bottle of etomidate refill liquid weighing 57.5 grams, police said. A saliva drug screening test showed positive results for methamphetamine and etomidate, indicating suspected drug use before driving.
Police said Yen was also driving without a license and failed to remain at the crash scene. He may face fines of up to NT$195,600 for multiple traffic violations, including running a red light, failing to maintain a safe distance, driving without a license, and leaving the scene of an accident.
Officers also found that Yen was wanted by the Ciaotou District Prosecutors’ Office (橋頭地方檢察署). He was arrested at the scene and referred for further investigation.
