Driver in fatal New Taipei rampage intended to hit pedestrians: Police

New Taipei, June 4 (CNA) A 78-year-old man surnamed Yu (余) who drove into multiple pedestrians in New Taipei's Sanxia District last month had a "deliberate intent to ram [into them]," the Sanxia Precinct of the New Taipei City Police Department said Wednesday.

On May 19, Yu drove at high speed through the Bei Da Elementary School zone, where his car struck pedestrians -- killing three and injuring 12 -- before crashing into a concrete barrier. He died of multiple organ failure at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital 12 days later.

Investigators examined surveillance footage, dashcam videos, and conducted on-site inspections, forensic mapping and analysis of the vehicle driven by Yu, the precinct said.

After reviewing the evidence, a task force determined that Yu intended to crash into people based on his speed and the absence of skid marks on Guocheng Street, the precinct said.

The case has been transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of four offenses, including homicide, the precinct said.

The precinct expressed "the deepest sorrow and regret" over the casualties and said it would assist victims and their families.

Although Yu is already dead, victims may still pursue civil damages from the suspect's heirs, according to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office.

The case must still be transferred to prosecutors because police do not have the authority to close the case, the prosecutors said, adding that Taiwan's Code of Criminal Procedure states that if a suspect dies during the investigation, prosecutors will issue a non-prosecution decision.

On Monday, New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) said that "the city government will do its best to help the relatives of the car crash incident seek compensation."

The mayor of Taiwan's northernmost metropolis also said that the city's Legal Affairs Department, Education Department and Social Welfare Department have established a joint mechanism to "provide coordinated assistance" to victims and their families.