Suspect in Taipei knife attack on cheerleader detained

Taipei, June 22 (CNA) A man suspected of carrying out a knife attack on a professional Taiwanese baseball team cheerleader has been ordered detained after a Taipei court approved a detention request filed by prosecutors on Sunday.

The Shilin District Court approved the detention of the suspect, surnamed Hsu (許), 52, late that night, citing strong evidence of attempted murder and assault, as well as the risk that he could reoffend.

Wang Ching-wen (王敬汶), known by her stage name Wen Wen, was taking part in a private photo shoot on Saturday at a studio in Taipei when she was attacked with a knife by a man, according to police.

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Wang, a member of the Passion Sisters cheerleading squad for the CTBC Brothers, sustained a 5-centimeter wound to her neck but is in a stable condition following successful surgery at a local hospital.

Prosecutors and police found that Hsu, who has a prior theft-related criminal record, was unemployed, single and has long been a fan of cheerleaders. He regularly attended related events and spent large sums of money on their merchandise.

They added that Hsu displayed inappropriate behavior on multiple occasions and was repeatedly turned away by event organizers. After registering to participate in the latest event, he allegedly became dissatisfied and used a fruit knife he concealed to attack the victim.

Following his arrest, the case was handed over to the Shilin District Prosecutors' Office.

The motive for Hsu's attack remains under investigation.