Chiayi Man Pleads Guilty to Drug-Impaired Hit-and-Run Resulting in Fatality

A 26-year-old man, identified by the surname Huang, appeared in the Chiayi District Court today for a preliminary hearing regarding a fatal hit-and-run incident occurring this past February. Huang, who remains in custody, pleaded guilty to charges of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, as well as fleeing the scene of a fatal accident.

According to the indictment filed by the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, Huang consumed drug-laced coffee sachets at his residence on February 6 before traveling to a friend's home in Zhongpu Township to drink beer. In the early hours of February 7, while driving back to Chiayi City, Huang rear-ended a motorcycle ridden by a man in his 70s. The victim was crushed by the vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Following the collision, Huang fled the scene and returned home. Police used surveillance footage to locate and arrest him by noon on February 7. Breathalyzer tests conducted eight hours after the incident still yielded a blood alcohol concentration of 0.27 mg/L. Subsequent urine analysis confirmed the presence of MDMA and nor-ketamine above the thresholds defined by the Executive Yuan.

Given the severity of the offense—a death resulting from intentional criminal conduct—the case is subject to a citizen judge trial. During today's preliminary hearing, Huang admitted to all charges. While initial attempts at mediation between the defendant’s family and the victim’s children during the investigation phase were unsuccessful, defense counsel stated that the family remains open to further reconciliation efforts.