Knife Attack in Kaohsiung: Two Men Arrested After Targeting Restaurant Diner

A feud erupts in Taiwan's Kaohsiung, leading to a violent assault and a swift police response.

A violent incident unfolded in the Sanmin District of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on the evening of the 9th. A 36-year-old man, Zhao, and his 21-year-old friend, Lin, were dining at a restaurant on Jianguo 2nd Road when they were attacked by 25-year-old Xu and 27-year-old Li.

Zhao sustained stab wounds to his right arm and thigh. He was rushed to Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital where he received treatment and remains in stable condition. Following a 72-hour manhunt, police apprehended Xu and Li on the 12th at a motel in Lingya District. They are being investigated on suspicion of attempted murder.

Initial reports suggest that Xu and Li traveled from northern Taiwan to seek revenge. They encountered Zhao near a well-known bowl rice cake shop on Jianguo 2nd Road. The suspects then attacked Zhao before fleeing the scene.

The Sanmin First Precinct immediately formed a special task force in conjunction with the Criminal Investigation Division and the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office. Investigators reviewed extensive surveillance footage and analyzed the suspects' escape route. They identified the vehicle involved in the crime and, armed with arrest warrants from the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office, raided the motel where Xu and Li were found. Authorities seized evidence, including clothing used during the attack.

It is believed that Zhao and Xu were previously acquainted, and their relationship was strained due to a long-standing dispute. This culminated in a recent verbal altercation over drinks, prompting Xu to conspire with Li to commit the attack. After interrogation, Xu and Li were transferred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office and are being charged with attempted murder and assault. The prosecution will continue to investigate the motive behind the crime and if other individuals were involved.