Man Sprays Pepper Spray on Himself at Taipei Main Station Exit, Causing Public Distress

(CNA reporter Huang Li-yun, Taipei, July 6) An unknown gas diffused into the air at Exit M8 of Taipei Main Station on the Taipei MRT today, causing people at the scene to cough. The Taipei police were notified and immediately dispatched personnel to the scene. It was found that a man was playing with a pepper spray device he had apparently found, causing the incident. His identity has been determined and he will be investigated according to law.

The Taipei City Police Department's MRT Police Corps received a report at 12:56 PM today stating that a man had sprayed an unknown liquid at Exit M8 of Taipei Main Station on the Taipei MRT, causing people at the scene to cough. Personnel were immediately dispatched to investigate.

When the police arrived, there was no longer any unusual odor at the scene. After reviewing surveillance camera footage from the station, it was discovered that a man had apparently found a can of pepper spray at Exit M8. He then played with it while taking the escalator to the platform level and sprayed it on himself, causing nearby people to cover their mouths and noses and cough.

The man involved then discarded the spray can in a trash can and left. It was found that no one was injured or required medical attention, and the MRT system's operations were normal.

The MRT Police Corps stated that they have reviewed the relevant surveillance camera footage to clarify the case and have identified the suspect, who will be actively investigated according to law.

The MRT Police Corps urges passengers traveling on the MRT to immediately notify station staff, security, or call the 110 emergency hotline if they encounter any suspicious persons, events, or objects. The MRT police will respond immediately to maintain the safety of the MRT system. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150706

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