By KHT Staff. Images via Threads/TVBS screenshot.
KAOHSIUNG — There’s been an update in the case of a man who climbed into the back of a police car and tried to hug an officer — he’s now been fined NT$2,000, despite claiming he was drunk and had mistaken it for his ride.
The man, identified by his surname Yang (楊), entered the unlocked patrol vehicle during an encounter in August. A friend filmed the incident and later posted the footage online, according to a TVBS report on Oct. 20.
The footage showed Yang sitting in the rear seat, ignoring officers’ requests and attempting to embrace an officer. He also turned toward his friend’s camera and laughed.
Kaohsiung District Court rejected his explanation that he had simply entered the wrong vehicle. According to Knews’ account of the ruling, the court noted the patrol car’s recognizable black-and-white paintwork and flashing red-and-blue warning lights.
The court found that Yang’s conduct interfered with officers performing their duties and imposed the fine under the Social Order Maintenance Act (社會秩序維護法).
His friend, surnamed Lin (林), received no punishment. The court distinguished her filming from Yang’s behavior, finding that she remained at a distance and did not direct improper words or actions at the officers.
Public Television Service reported on the incident in August, when police said officers should have locked the vehicle’s doors after getting inside. The October coverage concerns the subsequent court decision.
