An 83-year-old man has been detained after allegedly setting a residential property on fire, attacking multiple people with an axe, and stealing an ambulance during a violent rampage in southern Taiwan.
Authorities said the elderly suspect, surnamed Hsin, became involved in a heated dispute on May 3 before allegedly pouring petrol from a container and igniting a fire at a house belonging to his wife’s sister in Tainan.
The situation escalated when he allegedly used an axe to attack the woman, injuring her, before turning on arriving emergency responders, including firefighters who rushed to the scene after reports of smoke and cries for help.
Two firefighters and the injured woman were taken to hospital with head and body wounds, though all were reported to be conscious and in stable condition.
Police said the suspect then allegedly stole an ambulance and fled the scene, driving it to a nearby residential parking area, where officers later intercepted him.
During the confrontation, the man allegedly refused to surrender and waved the axe at police, prompting officers to deploy pepper spray before subduing and arresting him.
The suspect has been referred for prosecution on charges including attempted murder and arson. Prosecutors later applied for his detention, which was granted by the court due to concerns over flight risk and potential repeat offending.
Investigators said preliminary findings suggest the dispute may have been linked to family property and relocation tensions, which escalated into violence.
Authorities confirmed that firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze shortly after arrival, and a resident inside the building was safely evacuated without injury.
