In Taichung’s South District, a shocking stabbing incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day 2024. A 35-year-old man surnamed Peng, upset over a breakup, allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home armed with a knife, attacking indiscriminately. When the ex-girlfriend, surnamed Li, went to the police station to seek a protection order with officers escorting her back, Peng ambushed them inside her home, injuring four people, including two police officers. In a recent first-instance ruling, Peng was sentenced to seven years and five months in prison, with the option to appeal.
According to court documents, Peng used a spare key to enter Li’s home at around 4:13 a.m., destroying furniture including the sofa, bed, TV cabinet, and dressing table with a 28 cm knife. Li reported the incident to authorities and requested a protection order at the police station.
About 38 minutes later, two officers accompanied Li and her current boyfriend, surnamed Hong, back to her home. Peng allegedly hid inside and ambushed the group, attacking with a 33 cm knife. Hong sustained injuries to his hand and right abdomen. Officer Chen, 33, suffered three stab wounds to the chest and abdomen, including a deep 7–8 cm abdominal cut requiring 10 stitches, and a 5–6 cm tear to the left chest. Another officer, 46, sustained a 4–5 cm laceration to his left wrist. Peng also injured his own left hand during the struggle before being restrained and arrested.
Peng admitted to breaking and entering, property damage, assault, and wielding a knife against law enforcement, but denied intent to kill, claiming the stabbing occurred during a struggle for the weapon. However, judges reviewing body camera footage concluded he deliberately targeted vital areas, constituting attempted murder.
The Taichung District Court noted Peng’s disregard for public authority and the severe danger posed to police and civilians. Considering his lack of remorse and failure to reconcile with the victims, the court imposed six months for property damage (convertible to fines), nine months for assault, and seven years for attempted murder, totaling seven years and five months in prison without option for fines.
Authorities remind the public that anyone experiencing physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual assault, or harassment should immediately call 110 and seek professional support through hotline 113.
