By KHT Staff. Image via Fongshan Police Dept.
KAOHSIUNG — Three suspects have been arrested, and one remains at large following a violent clash in Fongshan District (鳳山區) that left one man dead and two hospitalized, the Kaohsiung City Police Department (高雄市政府警察局) said.
According to police, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sept. 28 at a closed health spa on Baotai Road (保泰路). Investigators stated that three men, surnamed Lee (李), Lin (林), and Chuang (莊), went to the location to meet another group regarding an alleged drug debt. A physical conflict broke out, and the three men were attacked with clubs and knives.
During the attack, Lee suffered severe head injuries, lost consciousness, and was later pronounced dead. Lin and Chuang sustained multiple injuries and were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, police said.
Using surveillance camera footage, investigators tracked four suspects who were observed fleeing the scene together in a vehicle. Officers from the Fongshan Precinct (鳳山分局) took three of the suspects into custody later that day, while the fourth suspect remained at large as of the afternoon of Sept. 28. Police stated preliminary findings indicate the altercation stemmed from a dispute over drug debts.
Differing accounts regarding the motive emerged in local news coverage. According to a report by the United Daily News (聯合報), the four attackers included two brothers in their 40s, surnamed Tung (童). The brothers were reportedly angered after being pressured to repay an outstanding drug debt of approximately NT$10,000 owed to a member of Lee’s group. The two parties arranged to negotiate at roughly 2 a.m. at the defunct spa, which has rental apartments located on upper floors. The report stated the Tung brothers and two accomplices arrived armed, barricaded the exit, and assaulted Lee’s group as they attempted to escape. Lee fled approximately 100 meters on foot before collapsing in the street.
The Liberty Times (自由時報) reported an alternative account, stating the altercation occurred after Lee, Lin, and Chuang refused to provide approximately NT$10,000 worth of an illicit drug on credit.
Police stated the investigation remains ongoing as officers continue searching for the fourth suspect.
