Man detained after sickle attack in Miaoli

Taipei, Dec. 26 (CNA) The Miaoli District Court on Friday ordered the detention of a man accused of attacking a woman with a sickle and attempting to assault a convenience store clerk in Miaoli City, after prosecutors argued there was a risk he could commit similar offenses if let free.

Police said officers arrested the suspect at around 5 p.m. Thursday after receiving reports that a man was wielding a sickle and threatening people at a convenience store on Weigong Road.

Investigators found that shortly before the arrest, at about 4:55 p.m., the suspect had attacked a woman on Yuanlin Street for unknown reasons, injuring the left side of her waist.

He then walked to a nearby convenience store, where he attempted unsuccessfully to attack a cashier, police said.

Officers noted that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of drugs at the time of arrest. He was disoriented and unable to communicate clearly, and was escorted for medical treatment before being taken back to the police station.

The case was referred to the Miaoli District Prosecutors Office to determine if the man should be prosecuted for the offenses of causing bodily harm and making threats endangering public safety.

After questioning the suspect on Friday afternoon, prosecutors cited strong evidence of criminal conduct and a clear risk of committing similar offenses and successfully petitioned the court for his detention later that evening.