A drunken dispute at a KTV outlet in Taoyuan, Taiwan, escalated into a physical fight after a 26-year-old man allegedly became angry when another man of the same age tried to flirt with his girlfriend.
The incident happened at around 3.25am on Tuesday (August 12), prompting KTV staff to contact police after the two men reportedly began arguing and fighting inside the premises.
Wuling Police Station sub-inspector Hsu Wen-hua said officers immediately activated a rapid response team, with 10 personnel arriving at the scene within three minutes.
Police quickly separated the two men and other people at the venue before checking those involved and investigating what had happened.
According to police, the 26-year-old man, identified by his surname Li, had gone to the KTV with his girlfriend and a group of friends. During the gathering, he allegedly became upset after another 26-year-old man, identified as Tang, attempted to approach and flirt with his girlfriend.
The situation reportedly escalated after the two men exchanged words, with alcohol further fuelling their emotions. Li allegedly picked up a microphone and other objects and struck Tang on the head, triggering a physical confrontation between the pair.
Tang suffered a laceration to his head and was reportedly bleeding heavily. KTV staff immediately helped stop the bleeding while police and firefighters were called to the scene.
Both men were arrested and taken to hospital for treatment. Police subsequently referred the case for investigation on suspicion of offences including causing injury and criminal intimidation.
Police said the incident highlighted how quickly disputes fuelled by alcohol can escalate into violence. Taoyuan police stressed that they have zero tolerance for violent behaviour and urged members of the public to remain calm and resolve disputes peacefully rather than allowing temporary anger to result in criminal consequences.
