Police say 'woman' arrested in Tamsui is man on run for 6 years

New Taipei, Oct. 17 (CNA) An individual who told police they were a woman when arrested for failing to pay a taxi fare in New Taipei's Tamsui District was later found to be a man who had been on the run from authorities in Yilan for six years.

Police said the 33-year-old fugitive, surnamed Yang (楊), had been living and working in Taipei and New Taipei under a female identity. He was arrested early Thursday morning over an unpaid fare of NT$700 (US$22.83).

Officers were called to the scene by the taxi driver, who said his passenger claimed to have no cash and had left the cab to fetch money from their home but never returned.

According to police, Yang was wearing leggings and flats and spoke in a "soft voice" when confronted. He also provided false information and presented an identification card belonging to his "boyfriend."

After unsuccessfully trying to contact family and friends for help, Yang was taken into custody about 40 minutes later for failing to pay the fare, police said.

A fingerprint check later revealed Yang's true identity and fugitive status. He was wanted by Yilan prosecutors for offenses including fraud and public endangerment.

Police said their investigation showed that Yang had long dressed as a woman to evade arrest and had been living in the Taipei and New Taipei areas, supporting himself by working part-time at restaurants.

After questioning, Yang was handed over to the Yilan District Prosecutors Office, police said.