Taipei mass stabbing likely 'lone wolf' attack: Police

Taipei, Dec. 20 (CNA) A preliminary investigation has found that a deadly stabbing spree in Taipei on Friday night was likely a lone wolf attack, police said Saturday.

The police issued a statement after searching a Taipei apartment rented by the 27-year-old attacker, later identified as Chang Wen (張文), and his former home in Taoyuan, in addition to speaking with his parents and older brother.

During the attack on Friday, Chang tossed smoke grenades in MRT Taipei Main Station before killing three and injuring 11 others there and in the nearby Zhongshan shopping district, according to police.

Chang then fell to his death from the roof of the six-story Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store on Nanjing West Road while being pursued by police.

According to Taipei Police Department Commissioner Li Hsi-ho (李西河), Chang had not been in contact with his parents after he was expelled from the military two years ago for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Chang's parents said that their son had given no indication of a potential attack when they maintained contact, Li said.

Furthermore, Li said, the probe found that Chang had acted independently on Friday.

The Taipei Police Department requested 80 additional officers from the National Police Agency (NPA) to work in tandem with the 80 officers at the Rapid Transit Division, as well as the presence of officers from the Special Operations Group.

Li also said armed police officers and additional vehicles will be dispatched to the seven public events this weekend, including a running event and a pilgrimage.

Separately on Saturday, NPA Director-General Chang Jung-hsin (張榮興) said the suspect had visited the Eslite department store the day before the attack and asked the staff how he could access the roof "to take photos of Christmas decorations."

Chang also purchased gasoline containers and a trolley he used to carry Molotov cocktails, which were not used, indicating that the attack had been "premeditated," Chang Jung-hsin said while briefing President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安).

Police managed to unlock two password-protected tablets found in a hotel room the suspect had rented on Nanjing West Road and are searching the devices for any relevant information, according to the NPA chief.