Police issue 26 traffic tickets to rider during street racing bust

Taoyuan, June 1 (CNA) A motorcyclist was issued 26 traffic tickets totaling NT$36,000 (US$1,202) and referred to prosecutors for suspected public endangerment during a street racing crackdown in Taoyuan early Saturday, the city's police department said Sunday.

Chang Wen-cheng (張文政), head of the Yangmei Precinct's traffic division, said the precinct's Xinwu branch received a report around 5 a.m. Saturday of multiple vehicles street racing on Section 1 of Zhongshan East Road in Xinwu District.

Local police units launched a joint operation to crack down on the illegal activity, during which several suspected vehicles were identified, Chang said.

As officers attempted to question those involved, one motorcyclist refused to comply and fled the scene, Chang said, adding that after a five-minute pursuit, the individual voluntarily stopped and submitted to police questioning.

The rider, identified as a 23-year-old man surnamed Hsu (許), told police that he had fled because he was afraid of being reprimanded.

Chang said Hsu was found to have committed multiple traffic violations during the chase, including running several red lights, swerving, making illegal turns and failing to signal.

He was eventually arrested on suspicion of endangering public safety and issued 26 traffic tickets totaling NT$36,000, according to Chang.

Regarding other vehicles involved in the street racing incident, Yangmei Precinct is reviewing surveillance footage to gather evidence of traffic and public safety violations, Chang said.

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has joined the investigation and is reviewing the identities of the vehicles and drivers involved in the street racing.

Chang added that 27 vehicles and two trucks used to transport them are under investigation for possible public safety violations.