Kaohsiung Hardware Store Robbed at Knifepoint, Police Arrest Suspect Within Hours

Officers from the Fongshan Precinct of the Kaohsiung City Police Bureau announced today that at approximately 10:20 PM yesterday, a man allegedly stole cash from the register of a hardware store on Zhonglun 4th Road while a clerk was checking inventory. When confronted by the duty clerk surnamed Liu, the suspect brandished a knife to threaten him, made off with approximately NT$10,000, and fled on a motorcycle; no one was injured.

Police reviewed in-store and surrounding surveillance footage and initially determined the suspect to be 48-year-old Luo, who has multiple prior convictions for theft and drug offenses. After being positively identified by the victim, police expanded their review of surveillance footage to pinpoint the suspect's escape route. At approximately 3:48 AM today, they executed an arrest warrant and apprehended suspect Luo in the Xinchang Street area of Siaogang District, seizing evidence including a fruit knife, clothing worn during the crime, and part of the stolen money.

Police stated that the entire process from reporting the crime to the suspect's arrest took approximately 4 hours, demonstrating their swift determination and efficiency in combating crime. After questioning, the case was transferred to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutor's Office on charges of intimidation and extortion, with a recommendation for the prosecutor to seek detention. (Edited by Wu Su-jou) 1150412