Arson and robbery incident in Linbian Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan; a 39-year-old man surnamed Cai rode a motorcycle to the underpass of the Linbian Railway Station on the night of February 18, threw homemade Molotov cocktails, and burned four cars. He then went to a nearby convenience store, smashed the place, and robbed about 7,000 NTD with a knife.
Police received the report and quickly rushed to the scene, subduing and arresting the suspect. Fortunately, there were no casualties.
The incident took place around 9 p.m. on the second day of Lunar New Year, when there were still many people around the railway station area. The suspect was carrying seven self-made incendiary bombs made with turpentine, which he threw at vehicles parked under the bridge. Local fire departments from Linbian, Jiadong, and Donggang were dispatched, with a total of 5 fire trucks, 6 firefighters, and 1 conscript on the scene. Upon arrival, the fire had already been extinguished. Two sedans and two small trucks were damaged.
According to police investigation, the suspect allegedly had an emotional breakdown after arguing with family members, and used highly volatile turpentine-filled bottles to make the incendiary devices, posing a serious risk to public safety.
On February 19, after a follow-up inquiry by the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, he was found to be suspected of robbery and arson with major circumstances, and the court was requested to detain him. The Pingtung District Court approved the detention that night.